Enucleation, also known as exenteration or removal of the eyeball, is a surgical procedure in which the entire eye is removed from the patient. It is performed in extreme cases where the eye is severely damaged or where there is an intraocular tumor that threatens the patient’s health.
This treatment is considered a last resort when other options have been ineffective or are not possible. The main indications for enucleation include:
- Intractable Pain: Severe and persistent pain in the eye that does not respond to medications or other treatments.
- Severe Intraocular Infection: Serious infections that cannot be controlled with antibiotics or that pose a risk to the vision of the other eye.
- Severe Ocular Trauma: Extensive eye injuries that cause irreversible damage to the eyeball.
- Malignant Intraocular Tumors: Cancerous tumors that threaten vision or the patient’s health.
- Severe Congenital Deformities: Ocular deformities that impede the normal development of the eye and cause pain or vision loss.
How is Enucleation Performed?
It is a major procedure performed under general anesthesia. The specialized ophthalmologist makes an incision around the eye and proceeds to separate the muscles and connective tissues that hold the eye in place. Next, the optic nerve is removed, and finally, the eyeball itself is extracted.
After the removal of the eye, the surgeon places an ocular implant in the eye socket. The implant, which can be made from synthetic materials or animal origin, serves to maintain the shape and volume of the orbit, as well as provide anchorage for the ocular prosthesis.
What is Recovery Like?
Recovery after enucleation is usually quick and without major complications. The patient will need to follow their ophthalmologist’s instructions, which may include:
- Wearing an Eye Shield: Wearing an eye shield at night or in risky situations to protect the eye socket.
- Regular Follow-Up Visits: Attending periodic check-ups with their ophthalmologist to monitor healing and adjust the ocular prosthesis if necessary.
- Adapting to the Ocular Prosthesis: The patient will need to learn how to use and care for the ocular prosthesis, which will allow them to maintain a natural appearance and some visual function.
Enucleation, while an extreme procedure, can be a vital solution for patients suffering from intolerable pain, severe infections, or malignant intraocular tumors. With appropriate medical and emotional support, patients can overcome the loss of their biological eye and adapt to a fulfilling life with the ocular prosthesis.
