[Phantom eye syndrome among enucleated patients at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Debrecen and comparing our results to the literature].

Abstract

Introduction: At the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Debrecen, an average of 30 eyeball removals are performed per year. Our department is the national center for the treatment of intraocular tumors; therefore, the most common surgical indication is large uveal melanoma in the eye. Other indications are trauma, painful blind eye or endophthalmitis. Phantom eye syndrome which can reduce the quality of life after enucleation has been studied in the international scientific literature. Our aim was to assess its occurrence among our patients. Objective: Study of phantom eye syndrome (including phantom vision, phantom sensation, and phantom pain) in patients who underwent enucleation at our department, using a questionnaire. The mood of the patients was also assessed and a comparison of our results was made with the literature. Method: Based on the literature, a multiple-choice questionnaire was compiled for the patients, focusing on both pre-surgical symptoms and postoperative phantom visual hallucination, pain, and sensation. Additionally, the Beck Depression Inventory was included in our study. Results: A total of 53 questionnaires were processed (22 women, 31 men, 31 right eyes, 22 left eyes). The average age (± SD) of patients at the time of the study was 58.66 years (women: 60.18 ± 13.45; men: 57.58 ± 15.50, range: 18–83 years). The average time between surgery and completing the questionnaire was 4.13 years. The average follow-up time was 5.6 years. At baseline, the average visual acuity was 0.41 (± 0.39). The surgical indication was choroidal melanoma in 50 patients, retinoblastoma in 1 case, and a painful, non-functional eye (with no useful vision) in 2 patients. Phantom visual hallucination was reported by 35.85% of patient. Phantom sensation was experienced by 30.19%, and phantom pain by 15.09% of patients. On the Beck Depression Inventory, patients who experienced any aspect of phantom eye syndrome had significantly higher scores than those who did not report such symptoms. Discussion: Our results show that the prevalence of phantom eye syndrome in our country is similar to that in other countries. Conclusion: In line with the literature, about one third of the patients experience phantom vision after surgery, which can significantly impact their quality of life. It is important to inform patients about this possibility before surgery. Furthermore, it is recommended to assess patients’ mood and, if necessary, refer them to a specialist. Orv Hetil. 2025; 166(37): 1463–1474.