Children can be affected by problems involving the tear ducts, eyelids, and orbit. Congenital tear duct obstruction is tearing and/or discharge that occurs in one or both eyes soon after birth. It can usually be treated medically, but sometimes requires surgery to open the tear duct. Children can also have droopy eyelids apparent soon after birth, and the drooping may need to be addressed surgically to allow development of normal vision. Additionally, children can develop both benign and malignant tumors around and behind the eye, and these need to be urgently treated. Our surgeons are trained to address all of these types of pediatric oculoplastic problems.
In children, oculoplastic surgery not only helps restore visual function, it enhances their self-image. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- Tearing of one or both eyes with or without discharge
- Matting together of the eyelids upon awakening
- Drooping of one or both eyelids
- Swelling next to the nose and lower eyelid
- Swelling above the eyes are on the outside corner of the eye
- Bulging of the eye
- Displacement of the eye
- Bruising around the eyelids
By improving the function and appearance of the eyes, oculoplastic surgeries combine medicine and aesthetics. The goal of oculoplastic surgery is to restore a symmetrical appearance of the eyelids, orbit and face and, in some patients, to make a prosthetic eye comfortable.
At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, our ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeons use their knowledge of ophthalmology, anatomy and tissue behavior to help children with a congenital deformity or disease or after an injury. They train first as ophthalmologists, then undergo advanced training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Why Chose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?
Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report. Our extraordinary patient care has been recognized on 16 occasions by U.S. News & World Report. Providing compassionate, quality care is integral to our mission.
World-renowned research and education. Through clinical studies, our physicians and scientists create innovations and promising treatments. In many cases, they have revolutionized eye care. We are also one of the world’s top education and training centers for eye doctors, giving patients access to the next generation of physicians.
Expert care for multiple conditions. Children who need oculoplastic surgery often have more than one condition affecting their eyesight. At Bascom Palmer, your child has access to thousands of physicians, representing every medical specialty. Your child’s health care team may include plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, ear nose and throat specialists, ophthalmologists, aestheticians, nurses and other staff all working together to ensure outstanding care.
Experts in ophthalmic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Bascom Palmer is at the leading edge of the relatively new field of oculoplastic surgery. Our surgical expertise and sophisticated operating suites equipped with the latest technology ensure the very best results.
Specialized pediatric eye care. Bascom Palmer is one of the few U.S. facilities with a team of pediatric oculoplastic surgeons. Their advanced training and understanding of children’s anatomy ensures an accurate diagnosis and the best possible surgical results.