Diseases related to the eyes and surrounding tissues can arise from genetic factors, various illnesses, and environmental influences, leading to vision impairments. The eye, as one of our primary senses, is closely connected with vital organs, especially the brain. Therefore, eye diseases can pose serious health risks. The delicate structure of the eye makes it vulnerable to injuries. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as eye pain, stinging, excessive dryness, excessive tearing, persistent itching, unusual redness, burning, and vision loss should immediately consult a specialist. Such symptoms may be indicative of potentially serious and life-threatening eye conditions.
Eye Diseases: Orbital Surgery
The orbit refers to the eye socket, and orbital surgery encompasses surgical procedures that address various issues affecting the eye socket, such as diseases, injuries, infections, congenital anomalies, and tumors. Many different diseases can affect the eye socket; the most common include Graves' Disease, orbital inflammations, orbital injuries, and tumors. Graves' Disease leads to functional and structural abnormalities in the eye due to the overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland. This condition typically presents with symptoms such as protruding eyes (exophthalmos), excessive opening of the eyelids, vision loss, strabismus, and double vision. The severity of the disease varies from person to person, and treatment may require surgical intervention.
Another condition that can be treated with orbital surgery is orbital inflammation. These inflammations can result from immune system problems, trauma, or bacterial or viral infections. The most common cause of orbital inflammation is trauma, but it can also develop in children due to sinus infections. While medication is usually sufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases. Additionally, orbital tumors can be treated surgically. These tumors carry a risk of spreading to vital organs such as the brain, making early surgical intervention crucial. Orbital injuries can also have serious consequences and may require surgical intervention.
Eye Diseases: Oculoplastic Surgery
Dermatochalasis is a condition where the eyelids become loose and sag due to aging, often affecting the upper eyelids and narrowing the visual field, leading to aesthetic concerns. Ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid, can accompany this condition, causing symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness around the eyes, forehead and brow pain, narrowing of the visual field, and difficulty reading. Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is performed to address these issues. A thorough eye examination is necessary to ensure successful results, and any other eye problems the patient may have should be identified. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 30-50 minutes. After the surgery, a cold compress is applied to control swelling and bleeding, and the patient should avoid getting water in their eyes for a week. After the recovery process, patients achieve a wider field of vision and a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Eye Diseases: Laser Treatment
Eye problems can be difficult to treat due to the eye's delicate and small nature. However, with the advancement of technology, laser applications are now used to solve these problems. Excimer laser, commonly known as laser eye surgery, can permanently correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Myopia patients have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, hyperopia patients struggle with near vision, and astigmatism causes blurred or double vision due to irregularities in the cornea. These issues can be quickly resolved with laser treatment, allowing patients to see clearly. Laser treatment eliminates the need for glasses or contact lenses, thereby improving the quality of life for patients. Since contact lens use carries a risk of infection, laser treatment is a safer alternative.
In this way, the various surgical and laser methods used in the treatment of eye diseases significantly improve patients' health and quality of life.