Enucleation (medicine)

Enucleation is a medical procedure that involves the removal of the eye, leaving the eye muscles and remaining orbital contents intact. This procedure is usually performed to treat severe eye injuries and painful, blind eyes.

Indications

Enucleation is typically indicated for the following conditions:

• Endophthalmitis
• Glaucoma
• Retinoblastoma
• Melanoma of the uvea
• Trauma

Procedure

The procedure involves the surgical removal of the eye, but leaves the eye muscles and the contents of the eye socket intact. A spherical implant is then inserted into the socket, and the muscles that moved the removed eye are attached to the implant, allowing it to move. A prosthetic eye is then placed over the implant.

Complications

Possible complications of enucleation can include:

• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Orbital implant extrusion
• Psychological distress

See also

• Evisceration (ophthalmology)
• Exenteration
• Prosthetic eye

External links

• American Academy of Ophthalmology - What is Enucleation

Enucleation (medicine) Resources
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