Enucleation surgery can be overwhelming, whether it is you or your loved one who requires the procedure. There are several reasons someone may need surgery, such as eye infection or disease, physical trauma, eye pain, or the presence of tumors. Whatever your reason for seeking surgery, knowing what to expect during the procedure ahead of time can help alleviate anxieties about it. Today, our team answers the question, “What occurs during enucleation surgery?” and offers more information about why the surgery may be helpful to you.
What Occurs During Enucleation Surgery?
Enucleation surgery begins with a pre-surgical consultation. You will meet with your prospective surgeon to discuss the surgical process and your eligibility for surgery. Once you have been deemed an appropriate candidate for the surgery, the process begins in earnest. It will include comprehensive preoperative instructions, the surgery itself, and the postoperative recovery period. During the postoperative period, typically between six and eight weeks after surgery, some patients will be fitted with a prosthetic eye. We detail each of these steps below.
Pre-Surgical Consultation
Enucleation surgery refers to the surgical removal of the entire eyeball, though the surrounding eye muscles and structures stay intact. The first step in moving forward with enucleation surgery is scheduling a consultation. The surgeon will review your medical history and examine the affected eye. Scans and lab tests are also ordered. This is necessary to provide the surgeon with more information before enucleation surgery. Your surgeon will discuss options with you regarding a prosthetic eye. You will also be provided with preoperative instructions.
Enucleation Surgery
On the day of surgery, you will need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before it. The surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics or eye drops in advance. Be sure to take any medication as instructed by your surgeon. You are placed under general anesthesia for optimal comfort. The entire surgical process typically takes between one and two hours. After that, the surgeon makes an incision around the eye. They separate the eyeball from the eye muscles and optic nerve. The muscles are carefully preserved, and the surgeon inserts the orbital implant. This takes up the space where the eye was and provides a foundation for your prosthetic. The eye muscles are reattached to the implant, allowing you to maintain some eye mobility. The eyelid is then closed, and a special dressing is applied to reduce swelling.
Postoperative Recovery Period
Enucleation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. This means that you can typically go home the same day. Some patients may need to stay overnight. Your surgeon will provide you with information on what to expect at your consultation. After surgery, you will be provided with pain medication and antibiotics. Your oculofacial plastic surgeon will also provide you with instructions on how to clean and care for the eye socket. Postoperative instructions also include guidance on navigating your recovery process.Many people return to their normal routine within one to two weeks after surgery, though full healing will take longer. Focusing solely on rest for the first few days can improve your recovery process. You need to attend a follow-up visit within one to two weeks after surgery to assess your recovery progress. Roughly six to eight weeks after surgery, schedule a visit to discuss your custom prosthetic eye. The prosthetic eye is designed to match your natural eye color and shape. This helps it blend seamlessly with your other eye.
Do I Need Enucleation Surgery?
Preserving your natural eye is a top priority. Treating your natural eye is always important. However, there are several instances when enucleation surgery is necessary. Below are some of the most common reasons someone may need enucleation surgery.
Eye Trauma
Severe injuries such as car accidents, workplace incidents, or even sports injuries can cause permanent damage to the eye. In severe cases, trauma leads to permanent blindness or ongoing pain that does not improve. The eye may even become disfigured or inflamed. This, in turn, can increase the risk of infection. When treatment no longer alleviates pain or restores vision, enucleation surgery may be necessary. It is a safe and effective surgery that can reduce the risk of future complications.
Intraocular Tumors
Some types of tumors can be life-threatening without treatment. If the tumor is large, resistant to treatment, or threatens nearby structures, enucleation may be necessary. In severe cases, intraocular tumors can affect your brain. The surgery is performed to protect your overall health and stop the cancer from spreading. Early detection is key in managing tumors. Regular eye exams are a major part of that.
Severe Infection
Most eye infections are minor and can be treated with medication. However, certain infections can spread rapidly and cause severe damage. If a severe infection threatens your eye and surrounding tissues, oculofacial plastic surgery may be necessary. It can stop the spread of infection to protect your overall health. Early intervention can reduce your likelihood of needing enucleation.
Severe Pain in Blind Eye
A blind eye can cause severe discomfort, often due to conditions like advanced glaucoma, optic nerve damage, or chronic inflammation. In some cases, the eye may shrink or become sensitive to light or pressure. Conservative treatments are an initial treatment method. This includes medication, eye drops, or less invasive procedures. If those measures do not alleviate the pain, removing the eye may improve the issue. It is important to consult with an oculofacial plastic surgeon as soon as you experience pain. Early intervention can lead to improved patient outcomes.
When to Contact an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon
If you experience sudden vision loss, persistent eye pain, swelling, or visible injury to the eye, contact an oculofacial plastic surgeon immediately. They are specialists trained to manage complex eye conditions. This includes tumors, injuries, or infections that threaten your vision. Early treatment can relieve pain and stop disease progression. In many cases, it can preserve your eyes’ function and appearance. Even if your symptoms are minor, do not hesitate to reach out. Contact the team at Oculofacial Plastic Surgery of Hawaii today to schedule your consultation!
