22-06-2012, 04:47 PM
Seminar on The Artificial Eye
The Artificial Eye.pdf (Size: 116.1 KB / Downloads: 89)
Introduction
This handout is intended to be of use for patients about to undergo or have undergone artificial eye surgery (Evisceration/
Enucleation). It refers to the removal of the natural eye (the eye with which you were born) and rehabilitation of the socket
to make it look cosmetically pleasing. We understand that the removal of an eye can be emotionally and psychologically
challenging for a patient. Our aim is help the patient and his or her family come to grips with this difficult stage in their life.
For this reason, we have a team professionals who are ready to answer any questions and offer guidance. Please feel
free to contact us to discuss any questions or queries you may have about artificial eye surgery.
Aims
The aims with all artificial eye treatment is to help the
patient through the operation of eye removal and to
ensure the patient is happy with its appearance, its
comfort and the psychology of having an eye socket
without a natural eye.
The operation
There are essentially two types of operation for removal
of the eye: Evisceration and Enucleation.
Evisceration- involves removal of the clear window at
the front of the eye (cornea) & the core of the eye.
Enucleation- involves removal of the entire eyeball.
In both types of operation, the outer coverings of the
eyeball are then sutured together, usually to cover an
orbital implant, so that the cavity of the socket is
shallower and lined with the pink membrane
(conjunctiva). Most patients nowadays undergo an
evisceration since it is quicker, thought to offer better
motility and has a lower rate of long term problems.
However enucleations are still performed in certain cases
e.g. for melanoma of the eye, a type of cancer where one
needs to be sure of complete removal of the entire eye.
Early period after surgery
A pressure dressing is applied to the socket for the first
week to try to reduce the postoperative swelling. Contrary
to belief, usually the patient is very comfortable
immediately after surgery. A course of antibiotic tablets is
usually prescribed with anti-inflammatory medication
(ibruprofen or diclofenac). The patent is then reviewed
usually one week after surgery and the dressing is
removed. A clear plastic disc called a conformer is often
inserted into the cavity of the socket at the time of surgery
to help the socket attain the correct shape.
Long term changes
After many, many years of wearing an artificial eye, the
patient!s socket may start to alter slightly sometimes
resulting in an imperfect appearance, comfort or
movement of the artificial eye. For example, the artificial
eye may start to look sunken, the upper lid may start to
droop or the lower lid may start to sag. If the patient
wishes, further procedures may be performed to improve
matters.