Orbital Decompression
Thyroid Eye Disease
Orbital Decompression — Restoring Space
The orbit — the bony socket that houses the eye — is a space with fixed walls and finite volume. When its contents expand, as occurs in thyroid eye disease, the result is proptosis: a forward displacement of the eye that causes a bulging appearance, orbital pressure, double vision, and in severe cases, compression of the optic nerve with the risk of permanent vision loss. Orbital decompression surgery enlarges the bony orbit, creating space for the expanded soft tissue and allowing the eye to return toward its natural position.
Before
What Orbital Decompression Can Address
Proptosis from thyroid eye disease — reducing forward globe displacement and corneal exposure
Compressive optic neuropathy — relieving pressure on the optic nerve to protect vision
Disfigurement and psychosocial burden associated with significant eye bulging
Corneal exposure and ocular surface disease resulting from inadequate eyelid closure
Preparation for strabismus and eyelid surgery in the rehabilitative sequence of thyroid eye disease
What to Expect
Orbital decompression is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient or short-stay procedure. The surgical approach — endoscopic, transconjunctival, transcaruncular, or combined — is selected based on the individual anatomy and decompression goals. Postoperative swelling and bruising are expected and resolve over two to four weeks. New or worsened double vision may occur following decompression and is addressed in a subsequent surgical stage if needed. Our surgeons will discuss the anticipated degree of proptosis reduction, the expected recovery course, and the overall rehabilitative sequence in detail during your consultation.