Eye removal (Evisceration/Enucleation)
Reasons for eye removal
- Trauma, infection, tumors, and chronic pain in a blind eye
- The eye is patched for 3 or more days after the surgery. The first 3 days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable, and it is common for patients to feel nauseous, and to vomit.
- A temporary CONFORMER (clear plastic shell) is placed to maintain the lid space and prevent the stitches from rubbing against the back of the eyelid. It is not uncommon for the conformer to fall out in the early post-operative period. This is NOT an emergency. Bring the conformer in to the office and Dr. Strungaru or her assistant can replace it for you.
- After 1-2 months, an OCULARIST can fit a PROSTHESIS (painted custom-molded shell) to replace the clear stock conformer. The prosthesis is designed from the seeing eye, and looks very natural. We often encourage the prosthesis not be removed except perhaps once a month for cleaning.
- Patients with only one eye should always wear polycarbonate safety lenses. (shatter resistant glasses). We do not have artificial eyes available that can see to replace removed eyes.
Types of Eye removal
EVISCERATION: The contents of the eye are removed, but the white shell (sclera) is retained. Eye tumors should be removed by enucleation rather than evisceration.
ENUCLEATION: The entire globe (eyeball) is removed, but the muscles (extraocular muscles) are left behind. In select patients, enucleation and especially evisceration can be performed with local anesthesia and anesthetic sedation.
After surgery
- The eye is patched for 3 or more days after the surgery. The first 3 days after surgery are generally the most uncomfortable, and it is common for patients to feel nauseous, and to vomit.
- A temporary CONFORMER (clear plastic shell) is placed to maintain the lid space and prevent the stitches from rubbing against the back of the eyelid. It is not uncommon for the conformer to fall out in the early post-operative period. This is NOT an emergency. Bring the conformer in to the office and Dr. Strungaru or her assistant can replace it for you.
- After 1-2 months, an OCULARIST can fit a PROSTHESIS (painted custom-molded shell) to replace the clear stock conformer. The prosthesis is designed from the seeing eye, and looks very natural. We often encourage the prosthesis not be removed except perhaps once a month for cleaning.
- Patients with only one eye should always wear polycarbonate safety lenses. (shatter resistant glasses). We do not have artificial eyes available that can see to replace removed eyes.