What is Enucleation?
Enucleation is the surgical procedure in which is eyeball is removed for different reasons including blind/painful eye, traumatic non-salvageable eyes, and eye tumors. The surgery is done on an outpatient basis, under general anesthesia. Usually a permanent spherical orbital implant is inserted in its place. Once healing is completed (after about 4-6 weeks), then the patient is referred to an ocularist to make an ocular prosthesis (fake eye) that closely matches the other healthy eye. Ocularists are artists certified by the American Society of Ocularists.
Below, patients are pictured before and after enucleation surgery.
What is Evisceration?
Evisceration is a procedure similar to enucleation, with the difference that the sclera (eye shell) is not removed. When indicated, this procedure is preferred as it provides better ocular motility and reduces chances of implant extrusion in the future. Exeneration is a more invasive procedure where the entire contents of the orbit (eye socket), including the eye, are removed. This is usually done for select tumors or severe fungal infections.
Causes for Surgery
Though causes for evisceration and enucleation surgery vary from patient to patient, there are several reasons why one might need their eyeball removed. Sometimes, these surgeries are performed as a result of an orbital fracture that caused a severe injury to the eye that may have occurred as a result of physical activity, participating in sports, injury on the job, or due to an accident at home. Other causes for enucleation and evisceration surgeries include tumors, infection and diseases pertaining to the eye and genetic mutations.
Above, a patient pictured before and after enucleation surgery.
Below, a patient before and after socket surgery and prosthesis.
Who Performs Enucleation & Evisceration Surgeries?
If you're a candidate of evisceration or enucleation surgery, it's always important to visit an experienced and board certified ocular plastic surgeon to speak with them about their suggestions and best options for your different treatment options. Your surgeon’s membership in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) will let you know whether or not he or she is a board certified ophthalmologist who knows the anatomy and structure of the orbit and also has had extensive training in ophthalmic plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Dr. Taban is a board certified oculoplastic surgeon with an extensive knowledge in both Enucleation and Evisceration surgeries in Beverly Hills and Santa Barbara. To learn more about surgical options that may be right for you, contact us today to schedule your initial consult.
View more images of Enucleation & Evisceration Surgery.
Next, learn more about Orbital Trauma.