Inquiry About Orbital Decompression Surgery
Hello! I’ve just reached the age of 18, and I’m a female standing at 163.5 cm tall and weighing 48 kg. I’m seeking advice regarding my candidacy for orbital decompression surgery and whether such a procedure is accessible in the Montréal area. Lately, I've been experiencing a slight to moderate bulging of my eyes, which seems to be exerting pressure on my optic nerve, accompanied by persistent pain. I've also been suffering from frequent headaches located around the eye area, intermittent double vision, a reduced capacity for focus, notable dryness likely due to the eyelid protrusion, and mild myopia. Recently, I underwent blood tests at the suggestion of my family doctor to check for thyroid issues like Graves’ disease, and fortunately, the results were normal. A week ago, I consulted with my optometrist; she noted the benign bulging and severe dryness, but attributed it to my individual anatomy, only recommending potent lubricating and oily eye drops. Despite this, I am quite dissatisfied with the appearance of my eyes as well as the ongoing discomfort, which has been my primary concern for several years now. My optometrist mentioned aesthetic surgery, and while I recognize that the look of my eyes is a significant factor in considering orbital decompression, the pain is still an immense issue that I experience frequently, even multiple times a day and night. Additionally, could you inform me if this type of surgery is covered by provincial health services? My father had a similar procedure performed around three years ago to correct a lazy eye, and he reassured me that the costs were completely covered by the province. I would greatly appreciate any guidance you could provide, as I am eager to address this issue as soon as possible! Thank you!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 11:30:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns. It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort and dissatisfaction related to the bulging of your eyes and associated symptoms. Let’s look at the main points and your options regarding orbital decompression surgery.
Key Points:
- Symptoms Indicating Possible Candidacy for Surgery: Your experiences of eye bulging, pain, headaches, double vision, and dryness may suggest that you could benefit from orbital decompression surgery, especially if other treatments are not effective.
- Consulting Specialists: While your optometrist has provided some guidance, a referral to an ophthalmologist or a specialist in orbital surgery is essential for a comprehensive evaluation regarding surgery.
- Health Coverage: In Québec, procedures such as orbital decompression surgery are often covered by provincial health insurance if deemed medically necessary.
Explanation:
Orbital decompression surgery is typically performed to relieve pressure on the optic nerve and improve the cosmetic appearance of bulging eyes. Your persistent symptoms—particularly pain and visual disturbances—indicate that medical intervention may be warranted. It’s crucial to have a detailed examination from a specialist who can determine whether surgery is appropriate for you and to discuss any risks or benefits involved.
Actionable Steps:
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Get a Specialist Referral: Ask your family doctor or optometrist for a referral to an ophthalmologist who specializes in orbital surgery. This specialist can evaluate your specific situation and determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting the frequency and intensity of your eye pain, headaches, and other issues. This information will be helpful for the specialist to understand your condition better.
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Inquire About Surgery Coverage: When you meet with the specialist, ask specifically about the coverage of orbital decompression surgery under provincial health services. Since your father had a similar procedure covered, it’s likely there’s a pathway for your situation as well.
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Consider Alternative Treatments: While waiting for your appointment, continue using lubricating eye drops for dryness as recommended, and consider discussing other potential treatments with your specialist, including eye care strategies that may offer relief.
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Follow Up on Health: Since your blood tests returned normal for thyroid issues, it’s still important to follow up if any new symptoms arise.
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by discomfort and dissatisfaction regarding your eye appearance and pain. You’re taking the right steps by seeking advice, and getting an evaluation from a qualified specialist will be essential in helping you find relief and address your concerns more effectively. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!
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