Fake eye CENTER FOR FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY AT ENT SPECIALISTS

Fake eye

The surgical treatment of an anophthalmic socket or “fake eye” involves procedures aimed at optimizing the anatomical and aesthetic aspects of the eye socket after the removal of the eyeball. Surgical interventions may be considered to enhance the socket's appearance and facilitate the fitting and retention of an ocular prosthesis. Here are key aspects related to the surgical treatment:

1. Evisceration / Enucleation with Implant:
- Evisceration with implant is the most physiological manner of removing a diseased, painful eye because it only removes the dead tissue, leaving the healthy sclera (eye wall), optic nerve and muscles attached. This is the procedure of choice in most patients except those than have intraocular tumors that require the removal of the entire eye (Enucleation). An implant is placed inside the scleral shell to preserve volume and allow for prosthesis fitting a month to 6-weeks later.
- Implant Placement: Many different types of ocular implants after evisceration or enucleation can be placed that ensure good prosthesis motility and a healthy eye socket. Sometimes, the placement of an artificial implant is not possible because of socket scarring, in which case a dermis fat graft (the patient’s own fat) is used to replace the eye volume.

2. Conformer placement:
- Customized conformers: For some patients, a customized scleral shell, a thin, convex conformer, can be surgically fitted onto the eye socket. This can enhance the socket's appearance and provide a foundation for better prosthesis retention.

3. Socket Reconstruction:
- Volume Augmentation: In cases where the eye socket lacks sufficient volume, surgical procedures such as fat grafting or the use of implants may be employed to augment the volume and create a more natural contour.
- Muscle Repositioning: Addressing changes in eyelid muscle function and tendon position to enhance the symmetry of the eyelids and overall facial appearance.

4. Ongoing Surgical Evaluation:
- Revision Surgeries: Periodic evaluations may necessitate revision surgeries to address changes in the socket anatomy or optimize the fit of the ocular prosthesis.

The surgical treatment of an anophthalmic socket is highly individualized, and the specific procedures employed depend on factors such as the patient's anatomy, preferences, and functional considerations. Collaborative efforts between ophthalmic plastic surgeons and ocularists are often essential to achieve the best outcomes. Regular follow-up with the surgical team is important to monitor the success of the procedures and make adjustments as needed.