Examination of the retracted orbital socket

After enucleation or evisceration, several problems can occur: the “post enucleation socket syndrome” with enophthalmos, eyelid malpositions, and the retraction (or contraction) of the socket with a conjunctival retraction that reduces the retropalpebral space. This retraction may also be found in congenital anophthalmos and severe microphthalmos after traumatic events or radiotherapy. Before considering the examination of the retracted socket, some physiopathological aspects of this state must be specified.