Does Orbital Decompression Affect Horizontal Palpebral Length?

Q: Dr. Eppley, how would orbital decompression effect palpebral fissure length? I have rather wide set eyes, albeit shallow set ones, and anything that would make my eyes seem horizontally shorter would be sub optimal.

A: The orbital decompression procedure is not known to necessarily affect horizontal palpebral length. Theoretically it may as the eye settles back in but that is not an assured aesthetic effect and most likely would not do so. This aesthetic issue is not a reason to do the procedure or avoid it either.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana