Removal of an eye, or enucleation, is often necessary due to injury, tumor, or disease. The loss of an eye is significant and unpleasant. Patients with chronic pain with a blind eye are also candidates for eye removal. Patients will first have a consultation with Dr. Amato after referral from their opthalmologist to discuss surgery. Removal of the eye is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia and takes usually 1 - 2 hours.

Dr. Amato replaces the eye with a remnant spherical implant inserted behind tissue. Postoperatively, patients are prescribed pain meds, antibiotics, and lubrication ointment. The wound is patched for the first few days. The wound is checked postoperatively by Dr. Amato. Once it is completely healed, the patient is referred to an ocularist for fitting of a customized outer prosthesis.

A prosthetic eye can often replace a nonfunctioning eye, look very natural and movement can often be maintained. Though people can wear a prosthetic eye for several years without complications, some side effects may need surgical and medical attention. Poor fit of the prosthesis, sagging of the eyelids, loss of shape of the eye socket, or migration or infection of the implant may require revision or replacement. Usually, the final results are aesthetically pleasing to the patient.

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