Perspectives on the clinical feasibility of techniques used in anophthalmic socket reconstruction

Abstract

The congenital absence or the acquired loss of an eye or its content causes a functional deficit and facial deformity that is also associated with poor psychological outcomes. The main goal of the treatment is to restore the appearance, and for that, it is mandatory to replace the volume of the lost eye, usually by a combination of orbital implants (OI) and external ocular prostheses (EOP) Figure 1. Symmetry, satisfactory eyelid and eyelid closure, adequate orbital volume, and motility of the EOP are the main issues to be addressed [1]. This is a complex topic that requires an understanding of the anatomy of the eyelids, fornices, and orbit as well as a thorough understanding of the associated surgical techniques and disposable OIs. Optimal collaboration between ophthalmologists and ocularists using customized EOP, patient/parental motivation, and long-term follow-up adherence are the keys to achieving success.