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What Is Evisceration of the Eye?

An infected eye, or a blind eye that causes pain, may be handled with many different treatments before resorting to surgery. But sometimes surgery is the best way to rid the body of an eye problem while also safely securing the use of the other eye. Evisceration of the eye removes all the contents of the eye except the sclera (white portion) and the muscles.

  1. Procedure

    • Evisceration of the eye is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia. According to the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS), the procedure can also be done under local anesthesia and sedation. An implant is placed in the eye. This implant is generally made of silicone rubber, polyethylene, hydroxyapatite or alumina, and covered with tissue from the patient's eye. It is also attached to the muscles to allow movement with the other eye.

    Time Frame

    • Several weeks after surgery, the implant is replaced with a prosthetic eye. It is made by an ocularist to match the other eye. It can be easily removed for cleaning and fits comfortably with the shape of the patient's eye socket. A prosthesis is durable, can stay in when sleeping, and usually lasts up to several decades.

    After Care

    • A patient may stay overnight in a hospital or even be sent home on the same day. Patients wear eye patches to protect the implant until a prosthetic is put in place. It is important to follow up with the surgeon after surgery to make sure the tissues in the eye socket don't shrink and prohibit the use of a prosthesis. Medication and antibiotics may be prescribed for any pain due to the surgery and to prevent infection.

    Considerations

    • There is always the risk of bleeding and infection following surgery. The eye socket may also not take too easily to an implant or prosthesis. There may be discharge or irritation to the socket. It is always important to discuss the risks of surgery with the surgeon before proceeding with any type of operation.

    Surgeons

    • ASOPRS indicates an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon will perform the evisceration. This surgeon will also be specially trained in eye diseases to make the procedure as safe as possible for the patient.

    Option

    • A motility peg may be placed in the back of the implanted sphere for the prosthesis several months after the evisceration. The peg fits into the back of the prosthesis to allow better movement once it is in place. This, however, should be discussed with the surgeon beforehand to understand any complications that may arise from this procedure.

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