Early ocular prosthesis insertion improves quality of life after enucleation.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate early insertion of ocular prostheses for aesthetic rehabilitation after enucleation and review current methods of enucleation surgery.


METHODS
Twelve patients with large intraocular malignancies were treated by enucleation with implant. At the end of surgery, a medium-size conformer was inserted onto the closed conjunctival wound (just before applying a pressure dressing). The pressure dressing was removed 3 to 5 days after surgery. Immediately after bandage removal, the patients saw themselves in a mirror and were offered placement of a relatively small ocular prosthesis. Patients were asked if they preferred their aesthetic appearance with or without the prosthesis.


RESULTS
Eight patients (67%) tolerated introduction of the prosthesis at the time of removal of their pressure dressing (3 to 5 days after enucleation surgery). Because of discomfort, 4 were able to receive their prostheses at their second postoperative visit (day 12 or 13). The manipulation at prosthesis insertion and subsequent wearing was found to have no effect on wound closure, final prosthetic fittings, or movement of the permanent prosthesis. All patients were pleased with the cosmetic benefit afforded by early introduction of the prosthesis and preferred their appearance to that of their eye with the conformer.


CONCLUSIONS
Early replacement of the conformer by an ocular prosthesis allows for cosmetic rehabilitation and improved quality of life.
The New York Eye Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Kimberly
K
Chin
Charles B
CB
Margolin
Paul T
PT
Finger
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004954:Esthetics / Q000523:psychology; D015353:Eye Enucleation / Q000523:psychology*; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005137:Eye, Artificial; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors