Introduction
Enucleation is a delicate surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of the eye (eyeball) while preserving the surrounding eye muscles and orbital structures. This surgery is often considered when vision is lost, and the eye poses a risk to the patient’s health, appearance, or comfort.
At Shreya Eye Centre, under the expert guidance of Dr. Rakesh Gupta, enucleation is performed with precision and compassion, using advanced techniques to ensure both physical recovery and emotional support for the patient.
When is Enucleation Recommended?
Enucleation is usually a last resort, considered when other treatments are not viable. Common causes include:
Intraocular Tumors: Such as retinoblastoma in children or ocular melanoma in adults.
Severe Trauma: Irreparable damage due to accidents or penetrating injuries.
Painful Blind Eye: Chronic, painful eyes with no visual potential, often following trauma or surgery.
Severe Infections: Uncontrolled infections that threaten the patient’s life or orbit.
Cosmetic Disfigurement: When the appearance of a severely damaged eye affects quality of life.
Types of Eye Removal Procedures
Although enucleation is a complete removal of the eye, it is important to distinguish between similar surgeries:
Enucleation: Entire eyeball removed. Muscles and orbital tissues remain intact.
Evisceration: Removal of the contents of the eye, leaving the outer shell (sclera) intact.
Exenteration: Removal of the eye along with surrounding tissues, often for aggressive cancers.
Dr. Rakesh Gupta evaluates each patient individually to determine the most suitable surgical option based on the underlying condition.
Symptoms That May Lead to Enucleation
While enucleation is a treatment rather than a symptom-driven condition, patients who undergo this surgery often experience:
- 1. Chronic eye pain
- 2. Loss of vision in the affected eye
- 3. Eye disfigurement or visible abnormality
- 4. Persistent swelling or discharge
- 5. Emotional distress due to the eye’s condition
Treatment Process and Postoperative Care
At Shreya Eye Centre, enucleation is performed under general anesthesia, following a thorough evaluation. The surgical steps include:
Removal of the Eye: The eyeball is carefully detached from the optic nerve and eye muscles.
Orbital Implant: A spherical implant is inserted to maintain the natural shape of the socket.
Placement of a Conformer: A temporary plastic shell is placed to support healing and maintain structure.
Custom Prosthesis: After 4 to 6 weeks, patients are fitted with a natural-looking artificial eye.
Recovery and Life After Surgery
Recovery is typically smooth, with manageable discomfort. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few weeks. The cosmetic outcome with a custom prosthetic eye is excellent, and emotional support is provided throughout the process.
With a blend of advanced care and personalized attention, Dr. Rakesh Gupta ensures every patient at Shreya Eye Centre receives the highest standard of treatment and post-operative care.