Orbital Decompression surgery

What is Orbital Decompression surgery?

This procedure increases the space in the eye socket by removing small amounts of bone and sometimes fatty tissue around the eye.

This creates more room for swollen tissue, reduces pressure on the optic nerve, and helps the eye sit back in a more natural position.

Is Orbital Decompression surgery right for me?

This surgery is typically considered when symptoms are moderate to severe and are affecting your day-to-day life or vision.

Orbital Decompression surgery may be recommended if you have:

• Prominent or bulging eyes (proptosis)
• Pressure, pain or discomfort behind the eyes
• Double vision or changes in vision
• Difficulty closing your eyelids fully.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most common cause of these symptoms and is an autoimmune condition where tissues behind the eye swell and push the eyeball forward.

What happens during Orbital Decompression surgery?

Preparing for Orbital Decompression surgery

Your Nuffield Health consultant (surgeon) will carry out a detailed examination and review your medical history before deciding if Orbital Decompression surgery is suitable for you.

During the operation

This procedure is usually done under a general anaesthetic.

• Your Consultant (surgeon) creates more space in the eye socket by removing or reshaping bone around one or more walls of the orbit
• In some cases, fatty tissue behind the eye is also reduced
• Surgery can be done either through small cuts inside the eyelid, within the nose (endoscopically), or through tiny external incisions.

The aim is to relieve pressure and bring the eye back into a more comfortable position.

What to expect after Orbital Decompression surgery?

After Orbital Decompression surgery you may notice:

• Some swelling and bruising around the eyes
• Mild discomfort and tightness that settles over days to weeks
• Temporary changes in vision or double vision
• Improvement in symptoms as swelling reduces.

Most people can return to light activities within 1–2 weeks.

Your Consultant (surgeon) will provide you with clear guidance on pain management, wound care, and gradually returning to normal activities in the days and weeks that follow.

What are the benefits of Orbital Decompression surgery?

Orbital Decompression surgery can:

• Reduce eye bulging and improve appearance
• Relieve pressure and discomfort behind the eyes
• Protect or improve vision when optic nerve compression is a risk
• Improve eyelid closure
• Reduce exposure-related irritation.

What are the risks and complications of Orbital Decompression surgery?

As with all surgery, Orbital Decompression surgery carries some risks. These may include:

• Temporary or persistent double vision
• Infection or bleeding
• Swelling or bruising
• Altered sensation around the eyelids or cheek
• Rarely, issues affecting vision or sinus function.

Before your surgery, your Consultant (surgeon) will talk you through these risks, answer any questions, and help you feel more confident going into surgery.