Eye Related Disorders

Surgeons at The George Washington University Hospital use minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for eye-related diseases of the nose and sinuses. 

Graves’ Orbitopathy

Patients with Graves' disease often experience proptosis or bulging of the eyes. In addition to cosmetic concerns, patients with Graves’ disease may also develop visual problems, such as corneal exposure and compression of the optic nerve. These concerns can be often improved with minimally invasive endoscopic orbital decompression surgery through the nose and sinuses.

Compressive Optic Neuropathy

Patients may suffer from loss of vision due to pressure on the optic nerve caused by trauma, sinonasal or orbital tumors, Graves’ disease or chronic sinusitis. Endoscopic optic nerve decompression through the nose and sinuses can relieve pressure on the optic nerve and in many cases restore vision to the patient's eye.

The treatment may include removing a displaced bone fragment, excising a sinus or orbital tumor or opening up the sinuses to relieve pressure on the eye and optic nerve.

Orbital Abscess, Subperiosteal Abscess

Abscesses, or pockets of pus, around the eye caused by bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections in the sinuses or eyes can be opened and drained through the nose using an endoscope and minimally invasive surgical instrumentation. The natural nasal opening allows surgeons to address these vision-threatening diseases with simple, minimally invasive approaches, which  eliminate disfiguring scars.

Epiphora/Blepharitis (abnormal/excessive tearing of the eye and infections)

This condition is often caused by a blockage of the lacrimal (tear) ducts located next to the nose. Surgeons correct the blockage with a minimally invasive approach, known as endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. This procedure can improve the normal tearing of the eye by opening the lacrimal sac into the nose, while at the same time correcting nasal problems such as a deviated nasal septum and large turbinates (the bony projections in the nose that help humidify the air you breathe).