The orbit is the bony eye socket that houses and protects the eyeball, its muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Our Orbit service treats swelling, growths, and structural problems in and around the eye socket and eyelids — from thyroid eye disease to eyelid malposition — often coordinated with endocrinologists when an underlying condition is involved.
Conditions we treat
- Thyroid eye disease — autoimmune swelling around the eye, often linked to overactive thyroid; can cause bulging, eyelid retraction, double vision, and optic nerve pressure
- Orbital tumours and orbital swelling
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid)
- Ectropion — the eyelid turns outward, away from the eye
- Entropion — the eyelid turns inward, causing lashes to rub against the eye
Diagnosis & technology
- Detailed examination of eyelid position and eye-socket structures
- Visual field testing when optic nerve involvement is suspected
- MRI or CT imaging when a tumour, inflammation, or nerve compression is suspected
- Thyroid and autoimmune blood tests
Treatment options
-
Medical management of thyroid eye disease alongside the treating physician
-
Orbital decompression surgery once inflammation is controlled
-
Ptosis correction surgery
-
Ectropion correction surgery
-
Entropion correction surgery
When to seek care
Seek prompt evaluation for noticeable bulging, swelling, or redness around one or both eyes, or a newly drooping eyelid.
Frequently asked questions
Why would an eye doctor check for a thyroid problem?
Thyroid eye disease is a common cause of bulging eyes and eyelid swelling, and eye symptoms sometimes appear before a thyroid diagnosis.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — What Is Thyroid Eye Disease? , NHS — Thyroid eye disease . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
← View all specialties