Enucleation (complete removal of the eye)

 

Our approach to patients who may require enucleation (complete removal of the eye) is to carefully evaluate the patient's condition and approach the situation with sensitivity and understanding. Our patients (in many instances) are experiencing pain in the involved eye that is no longer responding to medication. The eye problems may have developed because of past eye trauma or glaucoma with blindness. Less commonly, it could be congenital in origin. In some instances eyelid abnormalities associated with the blind may be very significant.

 

The decision for enucleation is difficult for the patient and family. Our physicians discuss surgical indications and considerations with them while addressing their concerns regarding the decision to have this surgery and to describe the procedure that is advisable.

 

Surgery

 

Enucleation techniques will include the attachment of the eye muscles to the implant sphere. The muscles are structurally left intact in the great majority of cases. Their attachment to the sphere stabilizes the implant position and fosters some movement of the socket and ultimately the prosthesis. Appropriately sized hydroxyapatite or medpore sphere implants are primarily used. The function of the implant is to replace the lost volume that occurs following enucleation. Approximately five weeks after the eye is removed, prosthesis fitting begins and is completed by the ocularist (non-surgical).

 

The physicians at New York Eye Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery have the extra training required to care for these problems in children and adults. Our surgeons are not only board certified ophthalmologists who know the anatomy and structure of the eye and orbit, but also have expertise in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive surgery to appropriately care for your problem.