Why would I have enopthalmos after orbital repair surgery when I didn't have it before the surgery? (Photo)

Question

5 weeks ago, I had a trauma to the right eye, causing an orbital floor fracture, with complete double vision. After about two weeks the double vision started resolving but my doctor thought surgery was warranted. My eyes were equal at that point. I had surgery two weeks ago to free the entrapped tissue and an implant put in and my vision is about the same as before, but now my right eye is 3mm different from my left. Should I be asking to have this repaired? Will it get worse since I'm only two weeks out?

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi there. Sorry to hear about your trauma - injuries to the eye socket are terrifying. Enophthalmos can occur after orbital floor fractures - whether they are repaired or not! It is a result of decreased tissue in the eye socket and in fractures is a result of tissue falling through the orbital floor into the cheek bone. It usually presents after two weeks because the swelling from the original injury masks it early on. Surgery often improves the situation by lifting the tissue back into the eye socket. However, if present (and I can see enophtalmos there in your photo) after surgical correction, it will not get better on its own. The good news is that a solution is possible - it can be improved! In these situations, I recommend seeing a Plastic or Maxillofacial surgeon with an interest in complex facial reconstruction. My own preference would be to repeat the CT scans and order a custom made orbital floor titanium plate - this will be made to measure and give you the best chance of getting a nice symmetric result. Good luck!

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a complicated problem requiring in person examination and review of orbital CT scans. It is likely that the enophthalmos will NOT improve. See an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation.

Why would I have enopthalmos after orbital repair surgery when I didn't have it before the surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Why would I have enopthalmos after orbital repair surgery when I didn't have it before the surgery? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Facial Reconstructive Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.