Evisceration, Enucleation, Exenteration and Eye Prosthesis
Berkeley Eye Center provides patients with the most advanced reconstructive and cosmetic oculofacialplastics procedures available. The procedures are designed to restore the natural appearance and function of the eye, eyelids and structures surrounding the eye.
There are certain circumstances in which it becomes necessary to remove all or part of the eye:
- Trauma: The damage may be too severe to save the eye.
- Infection: The eye is too severely infected and the infection threatens to spread to other parts of the body.
- Disease: Eyes with cancerous growths must sometimes be removed to prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the body.
- Painful blind eye: Sometimes a blind eye becomes painful due to pressure or inflammation.
- Cosmetic repair: A blind eye that has become deformed may be removed to restore the natural appearance of the eye socket and face.
After a complete examination of the affected eye, our Houston oculoplastic surgeon may recommend one of the following procedures, depending on the extent of the problem:
- Evisceration, in which the contents of the eye and the cornea are removed, but the sclera, or outer covering of the eye, is left intact.
- Enucleation, in which the entire eyeball is removed.
- Exenteration, in which the eyeball and the surrounding tissues, including the eyelids, muscles, nerves and fatty tissue adjacent to the eye are removed.
The Procedure
Before enucleation surgery, we will perform a complete examination and discuss which reconstructive options are best in your situation.
These surgeries are generally outpatient procedures, performed under general anesthesia in a safe, sterile operating room. An orbital implant is usually inserted to fill the missing socket volume and allow the remaining ocular muscles to function. The eye will be covered with a patch until it has sufficient time to heal.
The healing process takes several weeks. During this time, the patient should avoid any water activities, such as swimming, and getting dirt or other contaminants in the eye. Over the counter medications are usually sufficient to treat any post-operative pain.
Prosthetic Eyes
Once the wound is fully healed (the process usually takes about eight to ten weeks), you can be fitted for an artificial eye. A prosthetic eye is hand painted by an ocularist to exactly match your normal eye. It’s important to have the eye fit within a few months of the procedure, as the socket may shrink, making it harder to implant the new eye. Additional reconstructive surgery may be needed, since these procedures can also change the function and appearance of the structures around the eye.
Get Help from Berkeley Eye Center
At Berkeley Eye Center, our oculoplastic surgeon specializes in treating problems that affect the appearance and function of the eyes, eyelids and surrounding regions. We work closely with our patients, their physicians, and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcome.
Contact Berkeley Eye Center today to schedule an appointment.