How does one reduce an enophthalmic eyeball (enophthalmos)?

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Last updated: May 5, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Reducing an eyeball, specifically in the context of proptosis or exophthalmos, can be achieved through large extraocular muscle resections, which can reposition the globe within the orbit, thereby reducing protrusion. This approach is supported by the adult strabismus preferred practice pattern 1, which highlights the importance of surgical techniques in managing sensory strabismus and associated eyelid or globe position abnormalities.

Key Considerations

  • The use of large extraocular muscle resections can improve globe position and reduce proptosis or exophthalmos 1.
  • Surgical treatment should be considered under the guidance of an experienced ophthalmologist, given the potential risks, including scleral perforation, new onset diplopia, and disruption of extraocular muscles 1.
  • Diagnosis and management of sensory strabismus, which may include proptosis or exophthalmos, require comprehensive training and clinical judgment 1.

Treatment Approach

  • Large extraocular muscle resections can offer a dual benefit by improving concomitant ptosis or enophthalmos and reducing proptosis or exophthalmos 1.
  • The decision to proceed with surgical intervention should be made after discussing the findings, explaining the disorder, and outlining management options with the patient and any caregivers 1.

From the Research

Reducing an Eyeball

To reduce an eyeball, various surgical techniques can be employed, depending on the underlying condition and the patient's requirements.

  • Enucleation and evisceration are two main procedures for removing the eyeball, each with its own advantages, disadvantages, indications, and contraindications 2.
  • In cases of Graves' disease, endoscopic orbital decompression can be an effective treatment for proptosis and visual loss, with a mean orbital regression of 3.70 mm noted in one study 3.
  • The surgical technique for endoscopic orbital decompression involves the removal of the medial and part of the inferior wall of the orbit and slitting of the orbital periosteum 3.
  • Reduction in proptosis can vary within the first year after surgery, with the smallest proptosis measurements often documented between 6 and 12 months 4.
  • Systemic steroids can be used to treat acute painful proptosis in patients with Graves' disease, with rapid resolution of physical signs and reduction in the size of extraocular muscles on CT scanning 5.
  • In cases of ocular trauma, a detailed history and complete ocular examination are crucial, and timely treatment or referral can prevent blindness 6.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

[How to choose appropriate surgical approach in removal of the eyeball].

[Zhonghua yan ke za zhi] Chinese journal of ophthalmology, 2014

Research

Endoscopic orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy.

Indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism, 2013

Research

Eye injuries: Understanding ocular trauma.

Australian journal of general practice, 2022

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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