[Observation of clinical results of orbital decompression in 30 cases of malignant exophthalmos].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of orbital decompression for the treatment of malignant exophthalmos.

Methods: Thirty four eyes of malignant exophthalmos were followed-up for 3 months to 9 years (averaged 6 years) after orbital decompression (two walls decompression in 22 eyes, three walls decompression in 12 eyes). The postoperative vision, protrusion value and appearance of the patients were examined and analyzed.

Results: Complete closure of palpebral fissure was attained in all cases and the visual acuity was increased in 25 eyes, remained the same in 5 eyes and decreased in 4 eyes. The mean recession of exophthalmos after operation was 3.8 mm in two walls decompression and 7.1 mm in three walls decompression, respectively.

Conclusion: Orbital decompression is an effective method for the treatment of malignant exophthalmos.