Jaw surgeries are unlikely to affect vision, but distortions in nerve functioning, bruising, and anesthesia can temporarily reduce visual acuity. Ptosis might also result from sleep deprivation post-surgery.
How Jaw Surgery Affects the Eyes
The Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery outlines some rare eye complications associated with orthognathic surgery. These include a decrease in visual acuity, dysfunction of eyelid muscles, cornea degeneration, and eye soreness. These ophthalmic complications are more common in highly invasive jaw surgeries involving both the upper and lower jaws.
During these surgeries, some indirect neurovascular injuries occur due to compression and traction of tissue. Notably, the cranial nerves that run from the eye sockets behind the upper jaw into the base of the skull are responsible for reflex vision and movement. During maxillary surgeries, these nerves are at great risk of distortion, creating risks.
Patients also complain of having itchy, dry, bloodshot eyes first due to the effects of anesthesia. Itchy, dry eyes can also result from tiny bruises that often occur in the muscles of the upper cheek area. Additionally, sleep deprivation post-surgery, due to the discomfort associated with surgery and anesthesia, causes ptosis or droopy eyes. Most of these complications resolve over time, and normal vision is restored.
Post-Jaw Surgery Eye Problems That Need Attention
You may be experiencing eye problems after your jaw surgery. Contact your oral surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following:
Persistent Blurred Vision or Double Vision
Persistent blurred vision or double vision are signs of a serious underlying ophthalmic or CNS issue. Blurred vision lasting more than 48 hours after jaw surgery warrants immediate attention. Double vision should always be addressed, even when it occurs a few hours after surgery.
Increased Light Sensitivity
Increased light sensitivity is also an indicator of a serious underlying vision problem. Contact your surgeon when sensitivity to light becomes bothersome days after surgery.
Severe Eye Pain
Severe eye pain can point to optic nerve damage due to compression during jaw surgery. Call your surgeon immediately when eye pain persists more than 48 hours after surgery.
Contact Us Today
You should not experience any eye issues after jaw surgery. However, at times, pain and discomfort persist, and you may not know what to do. Contact us now if you are facing eye problems after jaw surgery.
Our Blog | Rai Oral Surgery & Dental Implants | Virginia Beach Shaun B. Rai DMD has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Please read below and then call us today! Rai Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, 933 First Colonial Road #205, Virginia Beach, VA 23454 - (757) 777-9883 - raioralsurgery.com - 12/5/2024 - Key Phrases: oral surgeon Virginia Beach VA -
Jaw surgeries are unlikely to affect vision, but distortions in nerve functioning, bruising, and anesthesia can temporarily reduce visual acuity. Ptosis might also result from sleep deprivation post-surgery.