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Department of Ophthalmology Oculoplastic, Orbital, Lacrimal Disease and Surgery
 This service deals with disease and surgery of the eyelid, the structures around the eyelid which are known as the orbit, and the tear drainage system, the lacrimal system.
The position of the eyelid is vital to the health of the eye. Lid malposition can occur as people age or from other disease processes. The eyelid can become droopy, known as ptosis, the eyelid skin can become redundant, sometimes the eyelid can turn in or out. There are many names for lid malpositions, such as ectropion, entroption, ptosis, for example. In these modern times, skin cancer has become a serious health threat. Skin cancer can occur in the eyelids and around the eye. Any discoloration, bump, or new growth on the eyelid should be examined by a eye physician. Especially worisome signs include bleeding, rapid growth, or destruction of the normal eyelid appearance. Oculoplastic surgeons like Drs. Linberg and Sivak specialize in tumor removal and reconstruction of the eyelid. There are many diseases that affect the structures around the eyelid, in addition to the eyelid. The vast field of orbital disease and surgery encompasses problems like Graves orbitopathy, cancer, infection, and congenital and vascular malformations. Drs. Sivak and Linberg have special interest in inflammatory diseases of the orbit, like Graves disease, and they are doing clinical research involving new agents for the treatment of Graves orbitopathy. Cancer and other diseases and malformations of the orbit can often involve surrounding structures, like the sinuses and brain. At West Virginia University, we have a sub-specialized team of neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, and interventional radiologists that work together on these complex diseases. Dr. Sivak is a member of this skull base team, and has experience not only in treatment of theses orbital processes but in reconstruction of the orbit as well. Sometimes disease or trauma causes loss of an eye. Drs. Linberg and Sivak have extensive experience in enucleation and eviseration procedures. They work closely with the ocularist (Mr. Tillman) who makes prosthetic (glass) eyes for use after these procedures. Trauma can also affect the bones that make up the orbit and the eyelids. Drs. Linberg and Sivak have extensive experience in repair after this type of trauma. A common complaint of many patients is tearing. This can occur for many reasons, including a blocked tear drainage system. This affects children and adults. Dr Linberg wrote the first descriptions of the anatomy of the tear drainage system, and both Drs. Linberg and Sivak specialize in treatment of nasal lacrimal duct obstruction. New methods, including endoscopic surgery are done at WVU. There are many disorders of facial movement, including benign essential blepharospoasm and hemi-facial spasm. These can sometimes be treated with BOTOX. BOTOX, is purified botulinum toxin which when injected locally, prevents a muscle from comtrating. Ophthalmologist have been using BOTOX for many years in the treatment of these disorders. BOTOX can also be used for cosmetic purposes. Drs. Sivak and Linberg write papers and present at local, national, and international meetings. They are involved in training future specialists, including one fellow every two years. |
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