Orbital hypertelorism is one of the types of dysembryogenetic stigmata — congenital defects that do not threaten the patient's life but are signs of hereditary diseases. The disorder causes discomfort of varying degrees and leads to the development of a number of pathologies. The disorder manifests itself in excessively wide-set eye orbits and the presence of excess bone tissue between them, deformity of the eye sockets and nose. Treatment of orbital hypertelorism in Israel is performed by leading pediatric neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons in the country, many of whom are highly respected worldwide. Progressive surgical methods are used for therapy, which in most cases improve prognosis, eliminate painful symptoms, and cosmetic defects.
The diagnostic departments of Israeli medical centers are equipped with modern high-precision equipment, allowing for a comprehensive examination of the patient over several days, identifying the pathology, detailing its signs, and developing an appropriate therapeutic program for the patient. The high effectiveness is largely due to a multidisciplinary approach — the involvement of several specialized experts in planning and performing treatment. Positive feedback from patients and their relatives confirms the comfortable conditions for therapy, the attention of the medical staff, and the meticulous work with young patients by professional child psychologists. The democratic cost, corresponding to the global level of services provided, is also significant.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
Orbital hypertelorism, which is not classified as an independent disease but is considered one of the characteristic manifestations of a number of congenital pathologies, was first described in the 1920s. Over the past decades, the number of newborns diagnosed with such a disorder has significantly increased. Despite years of research, the exact causes of its occurrence have not been established; however, it has been determined that the disruptions leading to it occur in the first trimester of intrauterine development. The main role in the development of hypertelorism is attributed to the disruption of the process of skull bone formation. Additionally, the development of the pathology is facilitated by premature fusion of the skull sutures, causing progressive increases in intracranial pressure, the formation of cranial and brain hernias, and other neoplasms, as well as trauma. The likelihood of developing the pathology significantly increases in cases where the pregnant woman consumes alcohol and narcotic substances or is exposed to ionizing radiation.
There are symmetric and asymmetric types of hypertelorism. In the first case, the disorder manifests exclusively as excessive distance between the eye sockets, while in the asymmetric form, alongside this symptom, there is a difference in the height of the eyes and rotation of the eyes in different directions.
Surgical treatment of the disease is the only acceptable option, the volume and method of which depend on the severity of the disorders, the presence of complications, and a number of other factors. Preliminary biomodeling is performed, creating a three-dimensional model of the patient's face, which significantly facilitates the planning of the operation. If there is no need for immediate surgery, surgical treatment is performed on patients older than five years. Early surgical interventions are likely to cause serious damage to the oral cavity, hindering normal tooth growth. In younger patients, treatment is necessary for eyelid structural disorders that make it impossible to close the eyes, for identified pathologies of the tear ducts, pronounced strabismus, and large neoplasms.
The following types of surgical interventions are used:
- Extracranial correction — the procedure aims to correct the improper position of the nasal bones and bring the eye sockets closer together; the operation does not require breaking the integrity of the skull and is indicated for mild forms of the pathology.
- A combination of extracranial and intracranial correction — during the intervention, the frontal bone is removed to expose the brain and move it backward, then the excess bone tissue located between the eyes is removed, and the eye sockets are brought closer together.
In cases of pathological changes in the nasal and maxillary skeleton, these bones are also positioned normally. In some young patients, orbital hypertelorism is associated with facial shortening and the formation of a midline cleft. To correct such defects, the entire section, including the skull, eye sockets, and upper jaw, is shifted inward.
In some cases, plastic surgeries are required to correct the shape of the eyes, eyelids, and improve the patency of the tear ducts. Throughout the child's life, they may require additional interventions to raise the drooping outer corners of the eyes (canthopexy), remove excess soft tissue in the eyelid area, and correct the shape of the nose.
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How the Disease is Diagnosed
To develop an effective program and determine the necessity of urgent treatment, it is essential to make an accurate diagnosis. The latest high-precision diagnostic equipment in Israeli clinics allows this to be done, on average, within three days.
On the first day at the clinic, the patient visits the attending physician. During the initial consultation, the medical history is reviewed, and a detailed anamnesis is collected. The doctor conducts a thorough surface examination, during which measurements necessary for determining the interorbital circumference index are taken. This value and a number of other indicators are used in diagnosing hypertelorism. The appointment concludes with the prescription of necessary instrumental examinations.
Conducting the examinations listed in the prescriptions:
- X-ray examination of the facial skeleton — the radiographic image shows excessive distance between the eye sockets, their asymmetric position, and demonstrates gross deformational changes in the bones of the facial part of the skull.
- Computed tomography (CT) — this method provides a detailed analysis of slices, studying the anatomical structure of the eye socket walls, which is impossible with standard X-rays. Computed tomography of the facial skeleton is performed before the surgical intervention to create a detailed plan for the procedure.
- Visometry — a method for checking visual acuity, during which asymmetric reduction in acuity is diagnosed. In severe cases, a high degree of amblyopia in one eye is identified — a critical reduction in visual acuity that cannot be corrected with common means.
The obtained results are submitted for review by a council consisting of the attending physician and specialized experts. After analyzing the indicators, the doctors determine the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
How Much Does Treatment Cost
The cost of the therapeutic course is among the most interesting questions for medical tourists. It is noted that treatment in Israeli clinics allows foreign patients to save about 30% of the amount needed in medical centers in Western Europe and 50% in the USA.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Qualified neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons.
- Extensive experience of doctors in treating hereditary pathologies.
- Availability of modern therapeutic and diagnostic equipment.
- Professional mastery of surgical techniques.
- Affordable prices.
Quality diagnostics and surgical operations normalize the patient's condition, ensuring inclusion in a full active life. Contact the chosen clinic and undergo treatment developed and performed by highly qualified doctors.