Reconstructive oculoplasty

Restoring eye function, comfort and confidence.

Reconstructive oculoplasty treats medical and functional concerns of the eyelids, tear ducts, eye socket and surrounding eye structures with a focus on safety, comfort and natural restoration.

An operation theatre from a corner, with shelving, a trolley, the operating table and the microscope
Reconstructive OculoplastyThe operation theatre at the centre. Care for the eyelids and tear passages begins with an examination and a clear plan.

Oculoplasty & Eye-Area Care

What is reconstructive oculoplasty?

Reconstructive oculoplasty is a specialized eye surgery field that deals with the structures around the eye, including the eyelids, tear ducts, orbit and eye socket.

It is used to correct functional problems, improve comfort, protect the eye and restore appearance after disease, injury or structural changes.

An ophthalmic specialist explaining an eye model to a patient during a reconstructive oculoplasty consultation

In plain words

Terms you may hear

Oculoplasty uses some unfamiliar words. These are the common ones. The doctor explains any others.

Ptosis
An upper eyelid that sits lower than normal.
Entropion
An eyelid that turns inwards, so the lashes rub the eye.
Ectropion
An eyelid that turns outwards, away from the eye.
Epiphora
Watering of the eye, often because tears are not draining as they should.
Tear-duct blockage
A narrowing or block in the channel that drains tears from the eye into the nose.
Orbit
The bony socket that holds the eye.

See it explained

How tears drain, and what a blockage can mean

Compare normal tear drainage with what can happen when the passage is blocked.

Tears drain

Labelled anatomy diagram showing tears draining through the tear gland, puncta, canaliculi, tear sac and tear duct
Tears pass from the inner eye through the puncta, canaliculi, tear sac and tear duct into the nose.

Passage blocked

Labelled anatomy diagram showing a blockage in the tear duct and tears collecting above it
When the passage is narrowed or blocked, tears can pool at the inner eye corner and the eye may water.

See it explained

When an eyelid turns inwards or outwards

A comparison of a typical eyelid, an inward-turning eyelid (entropion) and an outward-turning eyelid (ectropion).

TypicalLower eyelidTurning inEntropionTurning outEctropion
IllustrationClose-up illustration of a typical lower eyelid resting against the eyeClose-up illustration of an inward-turning lower eyelid with lashes directed toward the eyeClose-up illustration of an outward-turning lower eyelid exposing its inner surface
Symptoms
  • Usually no symptoms
  • Comfortable eye
  • Irritation and redness
  • Foreign-body sensation
  • Tearing and discomfort
  • Dryness and irritation
  • Excessive watering
  • Redness and exposure
How lashes point
Typical lower eyelid with eyelashes pointing safely away from the eyeLashes point away from the eye.
Inward-turning lower eyelid with eyelashes directed toward the eyeLashes point towards the eye and may rub against its surface.
Outward-turning lower eyelid with eyelashes directed away from the eyeThe lid turns outward, leaving the eye surface more exposed.
Treatment
  • No treatment needed
  • Regular eye check-ups
  • Lubricating drops may give temporary relief
  • Corrective surgery may be recommended
  • Lubricating drops may be advised
  • Treatment of the underlying cause
  • Surgery may be recommended
Need surgery?
NoUsually not required
May be recommendedDepending on symptoms and examination
May be recommendedDepending on severity and cause

Know the signs

Conditions treated

  • Ptosis or a drooping upper eyelid
  • Entropion, where the eyelid turns inward and lashes rub against the eye
  • Ectropion, where the eyelid turns outward and may cause watering or irritation
  • Dermatochalasis, or excess and sagging eyelid skin
  • Watering eyes and tear-duct problems
  • Orbital, eye-socket, eyelid and oculoplastic reconstruction concerns

After an eye injury, or if you notice double vision or a change in how the eye sits, seek urgent medical help.

What to expect

What an assessment involves

Care is planned around eye protection, comfort, vision-related concerns and the cause of the condition.

  1. Detailed evaluation

    The doctor examines eyelid position, eye-surface health, tear drainage, vision-related concerns and your symptoms.

  2. Diagnosis and planning

    The plan is based on whether the issue affects comfort, eye protection, vision, appearance or a combination of these.

  3. Surgical or medical management

    Depending on the condition, the doctor may recommend a corrective procedure or another suitable treatment plan.

  4. Recovery and follow-up

    Recovery depends on the condition and procedure performed. Follow-up visits help monitor healing and outcome.

Watch

Videos on this topic

Dr. Poonam Jain's centre shares short videos on its YouTube channel and in its own footage.

Videos are general information, not a substitute for an examination. They complement the written information on this page.

Entropion surgery

Pressing play loads YouTube's player (privacy-enhanced mode). Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Is your lower eyelid turning inward with age?

Pressing play loads YouTube's player (privacy-enhanced mode). Watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

Questions patients often ask

This page is general information, not medical advice. Your own eyes need to be examined before anyone can advise you.

What is ptosis?

Ptosis is a condition where the upper eyelid droops. It may affect appearance, confidence and, in some cases, the field of vision. Treatment focuses on lifting and correcting eyelid position after an assessment.

What are entropion and ectropion?

Entropion is an inward-turning eyelid that can make lashes rub against the eye. Ectropion is an outward-turning eyelid that may cause watering, dryness, irritation and exposure-related discomfort.

Why do my eyes keep watering?

Watering eyes may occur due to tear-drainage issues as well as other causes. Reconstructive oculoplasty includes evaluation and treatment of tear-duct-related problems when appropriate.

Is reconstructive oculoplasty only about appearance?

No. Its focus is function, comfort and eye protection. Appearance may also be considered when planning care for eyelid or surrounding-eye conditions.

Speak to the centre about your eyes.

Contact the centre to plan your visit or arrange an eye consultation.

13A, Pocket A, Phase 3, Ashok Vihar, Delhi 110052

+91 98104 19720