Enucleation & Evisceration

Name: Enucleation & Evisceration
Brand: Austin Face & Body
Rating: 4.8 (186 reviews)

The removal of an eye or part of an eye can be an anxiety-producing situation, but with the right ophthalmologist, the entire process can be much smoother and more stress-free than you anticipate. If you’re currently in need of an enucleation or evisceration, master eye surgeon Dr. Sean Paul can help.

Enucleation and evisceration performed by Dr. Paul

There is a variety of reasons that may cause an individual to require the removal of part or all of their eye. Eye cancer or trauma, problems arising from blindness, infections, and endophthalmitis are just some of the reasons. No matter why you may need an enucleation or evisceration surgery, Dr. Sean Paul will perform the procedure with skill, expertise, and attention to detail, achieving an outcome for you that results in much less pain in your daily life.

What’s the difference between enucleation and evisceration?

Enucleation is the complete removal of the entire eye. This technique is required in all patients with known or suspected intraocular tumors. It may also be recommended if it cannot be determined whether or not a tumor may be present in the back of the eye. In this technique, the eye muscles are detached from the globe prior to removal of the eye, and the muscles are re-attached to the orbital implant or to the material used to wrap or cover the implant.

Evisceration involves removal of the contents of the eye or globe, leaving the sclera (white part of the eye) and the eye muscles in place. This technique is less disruptive to the orbit, as dissection into the eye socket is minimized.

At the time of your consultation, Dr. Paul will further discuss advantages and disadvantages of enucleation and evisceration to help you decide which technique is most appropriate for your condition.

Most common reasons for enucleation:

Eye cancers
Eye trauma
Uncontrollable infection
End-stage glaucoma
Ongoing, unmanageable pain in a blind eye
Rehabilitation of the eye socket and cosmetic
alternative for blind eyes

Most common reasons for evisceration:

Endophthalmitis
Penetrating ocular trauma
Blind, painful eye

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The artificial eye

The majority of enucleation and evisceration patients receive an artificial eye after surgery, covers the eye socket tissue and underlying (buried) orbital implant. Artificial eye makers are referred to as “ocularists”. They make a custom impression of a patient’s eye socket in order to obtain an ideal fit.

We work with extremely talented ocularists. He or she will hand-paint the iris to correspond to the patient’s natural eye color. Fine red threads and other specialized techniques are utilized to simulate naturally-appearing veins and arteries. Ocularists are able to custom-make the most natural looking eyes possible. The artificial eye is typically fit six to eight weeks following surgery, or when the eye socket swelling has subsided.

What to expect

Surgery can be performed with intravenous sedation, but is typically performed with general anesthesia. The eyelids may be temporarily sewn together for one to two weeks to help minimize swelling and to prevent extrusion of the plastic conformer that is placed at the time of surgery. A patch is positioned over the eye for a few days, then ice packs are applied. Some patients experience nausea during the first 24-48 hours following eye removal, and this is generally controlled with suppositories or oral medications.

Providers who perform Enucleation & Evisceration at Austin Face & Body

Dr. Sean Paul

Dr. Sean Paul is the founder of Austin Face & Body. As a widely published surgeon who has traveled all over the world to speak, Dr. Paul is renowned and highly regarded in his industry. He specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid and facial plastic surgery in Austin, and is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

Dr. Sean Paul »

Schedule a consultation with us

If you’re looking for an experienced and highly skilled ophthalmologist in Austin to perform an enucleation or evisceration, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Sean Paul at Austin Face & Body. Dr. Paul is a renowned oculofacial plastic surgeon who has the ability to repair conditions of the eyes and improve our patients’ quality of life. For any questions you may have, or to schedule a consultation, please call 512-559-3544 or contact us online.