Standardized clinical evaluation of dry anophthalmic socket syndrome in a real-world approach

PURPOSE

To assess which signs and eye prosthesis care habits are related to subjective discomfort in patients with dry anophthalmic socket syndrome (DASS), using standardized tools from daily practice.

METHODS

62 anophthalmic sockets were compared with their healthy fellow eye using the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) score. The correlations between SPEED questionnaire and the prosthesis care, discharge characteristics score, conjunctival inflammation score, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) scores and Schirmer I test were studied.

RESULT

The anophthalmic sockets group achieved a higher SPEED test score (p < 0.01), discharge score (p < 0.01), conjunctival inflammation score (p < 0.01), MGD scores (p < 0.01) and lower Schirmer I test (p < 0.01) compared with their fellow, healthy eye. Patients with a prosthesis replacement of one year or less, those with a current fit time of one year or less and those with a cleaning frequency above one month reported better SPEED, (p < 0.01), conjunctiva inflammation (p < 0.01) and MGD scores (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Most anophthalmic patients suffer mild to severe DASS, which seems related to discharge, conjunctival inflammation and MGD. Moreover, certain practices related to the care of the prosthesis such as replacing with a frequency lower than yearly, current fitting time inferior to one year and a removing and cleaning regime above one month, were related to a lower discomfort sensation, conjunctival inflammation and MGD. Clinicians should consider the DASS when facing patients with anophthalmic socket and discomfort symptoms.

Factors affecting anophthalmic socket reconstruction outcomes using autologous oral mucosal graft

BACKGROUND

Limited studies have reported surgical outcomes that are defined by strict criteria following grade 2 or 3 socket reconstruction using an oral mucosal graft (OMG). We aimed to determine factors influencing surgical outcomes of anophthalmic socket reconstruction using OMG in patients with grade 2 or 3 socket contractures.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients who underwent socket reconstruction with autologous OMG between January 2007 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The successful outcome was defined as an eye prosthesis wearing without experiencing displacement and the absence of any re-operations or additional surgeries following socket reconstruction. Factors affecting surgical outcomes were identified using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 15 male and 22 female patients (mean age: 40.2 ± 17.2 years) were included. The median duration of socket contracture was 21.5 years. Grade 2 and 3 socket contractures, based on Tawfik's classification, were reported in 20 and 17 patients, respectively. Twenty-eight and eight patients underwent socket reconstruction using OMG alone and OMG combined with a hard palate graft, respectively. The success rates of grades 2 and 3 socket contracture reconstruction were 80.0% and 52.9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only grade 3 contractures were predictive of worse outcomes. At the final visit (mean follow-up: 6.3 years), 34 patients (91.9%) could wear their eye prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

Socket reconstruction using autologous OMG can provide acceptable results in grade 2 and 3 contractures; however, satisfactory results were more significantly reported in grade 2 than in grade 3 contractures.

Management of external ocular prosthesis by ocularists: results of an online survey conducted in Brazil and Spain

PURPOSE

To analyse the ocularist's perspective on the management of the anophthalmic socket and external ocular prosthesis (EOP).

METHODS

Ocularists from two countries were invited to participate in an online questionnaire. Data were collected on demographics, anophthalmic socket and EOP management (manufacturing, use, cleaning), complications, follow-up visits and multidisciplinary care. The frequency and proportions of the responses were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was addressed to 20 Brazilian and 17 Spanish ocularists, obtaining a response rate of 65% and 64.7%, respectively. 62.5% of respondents were men. The most common cause of anophthalmia in Brazil (69.2%) and Spain (36.4%) is an eye disease (chi square: p = 0.188). Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most commonly used material in EOP manufacture (chi square: p = 0.448), and 70.8% reported using customized EOPs (chi square: p = 0.069). Deposits are frequently observed in both countries (chi square: p = 0.157). Changing the prosthesis is recommended after 5 to 10 years by Brazilian ocularists, and after less than 5 years of use by Spanish ocularists (81.8%) (chi square: p = 0.041). Annual follow-up is recommended by Spanish ocularists (45.5%), while semestral (38.5%) and case-dependent (38.5%) follow-up is recommended by Brazilian ocularists (chi square: p = 0.267). Daily cleaning is advocated by 61.5% of Brazilian ocularists and once a month by 45.5% of Spanish ocularists (chi square: p = 0.098), with 75% of ocularists from both countries not recommending EOP removal at night (Fisher´s exact test: p = 0.166). Good communication between ocularists and ophthalmologists was reported by 87.5% of our responders (chi square: p = 0.642).

CONCLUSION

Although there are no unified protocols on the management of EOPs, Brazilian and Spanish ocularists follow similar guidelines. Differences between countries were the patients´ referral and the prosthesis´ useful life.

Post-enucleation socket syndrome-a novel pathophysiological definition

BACKGROUND

The last definition of the post-enucleation socket syndrome (PESS) by Tyers and Collin-formulated almost 40 years ago in 1982-is predominantly based on the clinical characteristics and does not include the insights of newer studies into the pathophysiological mechanism of the PESS.

METHODS

A systematic PubMed literature review regarding the pathophysiological mechanism of the PESS was performed, and results were comprised to give an overview of the current knowledge of the PESS including the exact pathophysiological mechanism.

RESULTS

The primarily postulated pathophysiological mechanism of the PESS was the atrophy of orbital tissues, especially of fat, resulting in variable clinical findings. Newer studies using high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging or performing histopathological analyses found no orbital fat atrophy but rather a rotatory displacement of the orbital tissues from superior to posterior and from posterior to inferior together with the retraction of the extraocular muscles and a possible volume loss of the orbital implant by resorption if it is manufactured from hydroxyapatite. PESS results in a backward tilt of the superior fornix, a deep superior sulcus, a pseudo-ptosis, a lower eyelid elongation and laxity, a shallower inferior fornix, as well as enophthalmos and may lead to an inability of wearing ocular prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel and comprehensive definition of the PESS is proposed: PESS is a multifactorial and variable syndrome caused by a rotatory displacement of orbital contents together with the retraction of the extraocular muscles and possible resorption of the orbital implant if it is manufactured from hydroxyapatite.

Nasal turbinate mucosal graft for management of contracted anophthalmic socket

A 67-year-old Caucasian male presented with severe contraction of socket lining 8 years after enucleation, dermis fat graft and successful ocular prosthesis fitting. Following two failed attempts at using amniotic membrane grafts to reform the socket lining, a total socket reconstruction was attempted using a novel nasal turbinate mucosal graft technique. This was performed in a staged fashion with lower fornix reconstruction followed by upper fornix reconstruction 3 months later. The patient was stable at 12 months review, with a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. Nasal turbinate mucosa was used as it was surgically accessible, provided natural socket lubrication due to its mucosal surface, and avoided oral mucosa and its associated morbidity. This case report suggests that nasal turbinate mucosa is a suitable autologous grafting material for total socket reconstruction in contracted anophthalmic sockets.

Amplitude of movements with conical or spherical implants in anophthalmic socket

PURPOSE

To evaluate the amplitude of movement in anophthalmic sockets reconstructed with conical or spherical orbital implants with and without an external ocular prosthesis (EOP), and whether the fornix depth could play a role.

METHODS

Prospective observational study involving unilateral anophthalmic sockets evaluated the amplitude of movement with conical (20 subjects) or spherical (16) non-porous orbital implants, with and without an EOP, having the contralateral eye as the control group. Standardized photographs were obtained in the four gaze directions and measurements were performed using the Image J software. The upper and lower fornix depths were measured using rulers.

RESULTS

Compared to the contralateral eye, the median movement amplitude without EOP was smaller with conical implants in supraduction (-0.88 mm, p=0.008), abduction (-2.26 mm, p<0.001) and adduction (-0.91 mm, p=0.008). Spherical implants had reduced movement only in abduction (-2.63 mm, p<0.001). Conical and spherical implants had similar amplitudes of movement in all versions, and were always smaller compared to the control. The median movement amplitude with the EOP was -3.05 mm (p=0.001) than without the EOP in abduction and -2.07 mm (p=0.020) in adduction, regardless of implant format. The fornix depth did not affect the orbital implants or EOP movement amplitude's median.

CONCLUSION

Conical and spherical implants provide similar amplitude of movement and fornix depth did not have an influence on it. The amplitude of movement was significantly limited compared to the contralateral eye and was even more reduced if the EOP was in place with conical or spherical implant formats.

Recurrent contracted sockets treated with personalized, three-dimensionally printed conformers and buccal grafts

Purpose:

Recurrent contracted sockets are complex situations where previous surgeries have failed, disabling the wear of an ocular prosthesis. A combined method of surgery and long-term fixation using custom-made, three-dimensional (3D) printed conformers is evaluated.

Methods:

Retrospective case series of nine patients with recurrent excessive socket contraction and inability to wear a prosthesis, caused by chemical burns (n = 3), fireworks (n = 3), trauma (n = 2) and enucleation and radiotherapy at childhood due to optic nerve glioma (n = 1) with three average previous socket surgeries (range 2–6). Treatment consisted of a buccal mucosal graft and personalized 3D-printed conformer designed to be fixated to the periosteum and tarsal plates for minimal 2 months. Primary outcome was the retention of an ocular prosthesis. Secondary outcome was the need for additional surgeries.

Results:

Outcomes were measured at final follow-up between 7 and 36 months postoperatively (mean 20 months). Eight cases were able to wear an ocular prosthesis after 2 months. Three cases initially treated for only the upper or only the lower fornix needed subsequent surgery for the opposite fornix for functional reasons. Two cases had later surgery for cosmetic improvement of upper eyelid position. Despite pre-existing lid abnormalities (scar, entropion, lash deficiency), cosmetic outcome was judged highly acceptable in six cases because of symmetric contour and volume, and reasonably acceptable in the remaining two.

Conclusions:

Buccal mucosal transplant fixated with a personalized 3D-designed conformer enables retention of a well-fitted ocular prosthesis in previously failed socket surgeries. Initial treatment of both upper and lower fornices is recommended to avoid subsequent surgeries for functional reasons.

Outcomes of secondary autologus dermo-fat orbital implants in anophthalmic sockets

Objectives:

To evaluate the outcomes of secondary autologous dermis-fat graft as an orbital implant in anophthalmic sockets.

Methods:

In this prospective study, which was conducted at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre, Karachi, between January 2015 and January 2020, we evaluated 12 patients between the ages of four and 60 years. Most of the adults were victims of trauma, whereas children were known cases of retinoblastoma or trauma and all underwent enucleation. All of them were primarily treated elsewhere and not offered primary orbital implants. We performed autologous dermis-fat graft as an orbital implant in these patients harvesting graft from gluteal region and followed them up to look for complications.

Results:

Out of 12 patients two went into failure, while rest of the patients showed successful outcome. All patients underwent successful surgery. Initially, a silicon conformer was placed, which was later on replaced with artificial prosthetic eye.

Conclusion:

Regardless of the small sample size, this procedure proved to be a safe and effective method for augmenting orbital volume in anophthalmic sockets in children and adults.

Custom ocular prosthesis-related concerns: patient feedback survey-based report vis-à-vis objective clinical grading scales

Purpose: To report the outcomes of a survey on patients' concerns and satisfaction with custom ocular prosthesis (COP) wear and compare with objective clinician grading scales.Methods: The questionnaire was answered by 156 participants. General social concerns and prosthesis-related concerns were plotted on a scale of 0 to 10, indicating least to maximum satisfaction and also not concerned to very concerned. Comparison between subjective patient and objective clinician scores was done.Results: The mean age at presentation was 27.53 ± 15.53 years (range 3-72 years).For patients that underwent a prior surgical procedure, mean satisfaction with the surgery was 9.42 ± 1.27. Mean satisfaction with the COP was 8.98 ± 1.75. The median satisfaction score for the primary surgery as well as for the outcome of the custom ocular prosthesis was 10. Commonest prosthesis-related concerns were reduced motility (mean 3 ± 2, median 3), watering, crusting and discharge (mean 2 ± 2, median 2), and difference in the size of the prosthetic eye relative to the other eye (mean 1 ± 2, median 1). Subjective patient concern responses and the objective clinician grading correlated strongly for movement of the prosthesis (r = -0.84, p < .0001), periocular fullness (r = 0.65, p < .0001), color of the prosthesis (r = -0.8, p < .0001) and size relative to the other eye (r = 0.7, p < .0001).Conclusion: Custom ocular prosthesis usage had a high satisfaction score with minimal concerns. Commonest prosthesis-related concerns correlated strongly with objective clinician grading.

Autologous pericranium grafts for large orbital implants

INTRODUCTION

Insufficient orbital volume in an anophthalmic socket is a major problem for the placement of an ocular prosthesis. This study reports the outcomes of the use of autologous pericranium graft in association with a large primary or secondary orbital implant in patients with a contracted socket and large orbital volume deficit.

METHODS

This was a retrospective single-institution study. Participants were 13 patients with contracted socket, volume deficit, and insufficient conjunctiva to cover the new implant divided into two groups, A (n = 3) and B (n = 10), according to the baseline condition of the socket. Surgery was primary evisceration (group A only) and placement of a large orbital implant followed by an autologous pericranium graft over the implant (groups A and B).

RESULTS

Mean follow-up duration for the patient series was 9.5 months (range 9-24). Complete epithelialization of the pericranium graft was recorded at 47.3 days of follow-up (range 33-67). No cases of implant exposure or shrinkage were noted during follow-up. Main postoperative complications were conjunctival granuloma (five patients, 38.5%), conjunctival seroma (one patient, 7.7%). All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcome.

CONCLUSION

Autologous pericranial graft was effective in reconstructing the contracted socket so that the anophthalmic socket could accommodate a larger or secondary orbital implant. The efficacy of this procedure needs to be confirmed in a larger patient series.

Trichloroacetic acid 10% injection for treatment of conjunctival inclusion cysts

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intra-lesional injection of Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) 10% in patients with conjunctival inclusion cysts.Methods: This prospective case series study included all patients with conjunctival inclusion cyst who were referred to our referral center from August 2016 to August 2018. All patients received TCA 10% injection into the conjunctival cyst, and outcomes of the intervention were evaluated at least 6 months later.Results: Ten patients with mean age of 24 ± 17.6 (range 6-65) years including three children received TCA 10% injection into the conjunctival cyst. We included 6 anophthalmic and 4 ophthalmic cases. All patients were treated successfully and no recurrence of the lesion was observed in any case. Mean follow up duration was 18.1 ± 8.3 (range 6-28) months.Conclusion: Intra-lesional injection of TCA 10% is a safe, simple, and effective treatment in patients with conjunctival inclusion cysts including ophthalmic cases and anophthalmic cases, both in adults and in children. This concentration may avoid ocular surface complications.

Use of semisynthetic dura mater substitute as a patch graft for prosthesis extrusion in anophthalmic socket

We present a case report of a three-year old patient diagnosed with retinoblastoma in her left eye. The course of the disease made enucleation of the latter eye and a prosthesis implant necessary. Two years after surgery, partial prosthesis extrusion occurred and a semisynthetic dura mater substitute was used as a patch graft to cover the defect. To our knowledge, semisynthetic dura mater substitutes' use in this scenario has not been previously reported.

Retroauricular myoperiosteal autograft for orbital implant exposure: 11 years of experience

PURPOSE

To describe our experience with retroauricular myoperiosteal autograft for surgical coverage of exposed orbital implants.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study, in which demographic and clinical data were compiled by reviewing the clinical records of anophthalmic patients with implant exposure treated with an autogenous retroauricular myoperiosteal graft at the Instituto de Microcirugía Ocular (IMO, Barcelona, Spain) over the period January 2007 to December 2017. Main outcome was the long-term coverage of implant after retroauricular myoperiosteal autograft; secondary outcome was the rate of post-surgical complications and management.

RESULTS

Over the 11-year period, 27 eyes of 27 patients with implant exposure received a retroauricular myoperiosteal autograft. Mean participant age was 47.3 ± 17.9 years (range 9-78, median 45). Primary surgery was enucleation in 8 eyes (29.6%) and evisceration in 19 (70.4%). Implant materials were porous polyethylene in 17 (63%), hydroxyapatite in 3 (11.1%), and bioceramics in 4 (14.8%). In the remaining three patients (11.1%), the implant material and size were unknown. Implant exposure was diagnosed after a mean of 98 ± 111.7 months. Mean exposure diameter was 5.9 ± 3.1 mm. Mean follow-up duration after graft surgery was 37.5 ± 39 months. In four patients (14.8%), implant re-exposure was recorded and in two of these patients a re-graft using the same technique was performed. In the last follow-up session, all patients showed good implant coverage.

CONCLUSIONS

Myoperiosteal graft could be a valid option for the long-term management of implant exposure irrespective of primary surgery, exposed area, and implant material.

Evaluation of bacterial adhesion in exposed orbital implants using electron microscopy and microbiological culture

Three cases are presented of anophthalmic patients with exposed orbital implants. Although only one patient showed evident clinical signs of infection, all three implants were studied to determine the presence of microorganisms adhered to their surface using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microbiological culture. The SEM allowed the visualisation of microorganisms adhered to the three implants, although only one of them showed growth in the microbiological cultures. In addition, the SEM technique used in case No.3 achieved a better orientation and appreciation of the microorganisms with respect to the images of cases No.1 and2. These findings support the idea that the surface of exposed orbital implants is colonised by microorganisms, even when they still do not show obvious signs of infection. Therefore, mechanical removal of the exposed surface of the implant is necessary before covering it with grafts or flaps.

Cryolite glass prosthetic eyes-the response of the anophthalmic socket

PURPOSE

To investigate mucoid discharge and the inflammatory response of anophthalmic sockets to cryolite glass prosthetic eye wear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 101 cryolite glass prosthetic eye wearers used visual analog scales (0-10) to measure frequency, color, volume, and viscosity of mucoid discharge associated with their prosthesis. Standardized photographs of the conjunctiva of their anophthalmic sockets were taken and conjunctival inflammation was semi-quantitatively graded (0-4). All characteristics of discharge and conjunctival inflammation were correlated to eye loss cause, hand washing behavior, and cleaning regimes as explanatory variables.

RESULTS

Mean mucoid discharge characteristics (0-10 scale) were frequency 5.3 ± 2.8, color 4.8 ± 3.2, volume 4.9 ± 3.0, and viscosity 5.1 ± 3.2. The mean conjunctival inflammation score (0-4 scale) was 2.1 ± 1.0. There was a positive correlation between the grade of conjunctival inflammation and the frequency (p = 0.018), color (p = 0.001), volume (p = 0.003), and the viscosity of mucoid discharge (p = 0.005). More conjunctival inflammation was associated with higher frequency of cleaning (p < 0.001) and lower frequency of hand washing before removal (p = 0.001). Higher frequency, color, volume, and viscosity of discharge were associated with higher frequency of cleaning (p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Discharge severity associated with prosthetic eye wear was positively correlated with more conjunctival inflammation, higher cleaning frequency, and less hand washing before handling. The results suggest that cryolite glass eyes should not be removed daily for cleaning and that further research should be undertaken to develop a standardized treatment protocol for managing inflammation and mucoid discharge. This protocol would advise hand washing before handling cryolite glass eyes and recommend a minimum period of wear between cleaning sessions.

Primary replacement for the management of exposed orbital implant

Purpose: We present a series of primary orbital implant replacement for cases of implant exposure to describe our experience of this one-staged surgical approach. Methods: This study reports on a one-stage technique which involved the removal of the exposed implant or dermis fat graft (DFG) and insertion of a secondary (replacement) in the same procedure, with a variety of materials, including autologous tissue. Re-exposure in a socket where a DFG was placed was defined as a new defect in the newly epithelialized conjunctiva or dehiscence of the dermis-conjunctiva junction. All cases of primary replacement for the management of exposed orbital implant, porous and non-porous, were included, even when there were clinical signs suggestive of infection. The primary outcome was the rate of re-exposure, requiring additional surgical procedures. Infection following primary replacement was a secondary outcome. Results: Seventy-eight patients had primary replacement for the management of an exposed orbital implant. 6.4% had re-exposure at a mean follow-up of 49.7 months (9.1% for ball implants and 4.5% for DFG). The rate of exposure was higher in those with prior signs of infection than those without (8% vs. 3.6%). Re-exposure occurred in 4.5% of cases with DFG implantation, 4.3% of cases with non-porous implants and in 20% of cases with porous implants. Conclusion: Primary replacement for management of exposed orbital implant, porous and non-porous, has a high rate of successful outcome even in cases with presumed or confirmed infection.

Association between Frequency of Prosthesis Cleaning and the Discharge Characteristics and the Tear Film in Subjects with Anophthalmic Socket after Eviceration with Dermis Fat Graft

AIM:

To analyze the associations between frequency of prosthesis cleaning with the discharge characteristics and the tear film in subjects with anophthalmic socket post evisceration with dermis fat graft.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS:

This study is an analytic observational with cross sectional design study with control. The subjects of the study were unilateral acquired anophthalmic socket after evisceration with dermis fat graft at University of Sumatera Utara General Hospital which amounts to 30 subjects or 60 eyes (30 unilateral anophthalmic sockets, 30 contralateral eyes). Data was obtained from April 2018 to May 2018.

RESULT:

There is significant association between frequency of prosthesis cleaning and the frequency of discharge (P = 0.001) and tear film quantity (P = 0.024). There is also significant association between the tear film quantity and the frequency of discharge (P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION:

There was a significant association between frequency of prosthesis cleaning with the frequency of discharge and the tear film in subjects with Acquired Unilateral anophthalmic socket post-evisceration with dermis fat graft.

Low-cost three-dimensional printed orbital template-assisted patient-specific implants for the correction of spherical orbital implant migration

PURPOSE

To describe the outcomes of a patient-specific implant (PSI), fabricated using a three-dimensional (3D) printed orbital template and placed in the basin of the inferior orbital fissure to correct inferotemporally migrated spherical orbital implant.

METHODS

This is a single-center, prospective, consecutive, interventional, case series of six patients, with non-porous, spherical, orbital implant migration that underwent implant recentration surgically with a novel technique. Migration was subclassified either as decentration that did not affect the prosthetic retention or as displacement that affected the prosthetic retention in the eye socket. Only implant displacements were treated. The primary outcome measure was centration of the implant clinically and radiologically, with ability to retain the prosthesis.

RESULTS

At a mean follow-up of 21 months, all six orbital spherical implants remained centered. There were no cases of extrusion, exposure, or migration of either implants. There were no cases of PSI displacement. Additional procedures to optimize the aesthetic outcome of the customized ocular prosthesis (COP) required were simultaneous fornix formation suture in three patients, subsequent fornix formation with mucus membrane graft in two patients, and levator resection and sulcus hyaluronic acid gel injection in one patient each. The mean PSI implant weight was 2.66 ± 0.53 g. The mean COP weight was 2.2 ± 0.88 g postoperatively. The median patient satisfaction with the procedure was 9 on 10.

CONCLUSION

A 3D printing-assisted PSI placed in the basin of the inferior orbital fissure allows recentration of the migrated implant over a follow-up of 21 months without complications.

Can the onset of orbital cancer be the result of a prosthetic eye?

Orbital exenteration is a disfiguring procedure performed for unresponsive orbital infections and control of recurrent benign tumours and malignancies arising from the eyelids (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, conjunctival malignant melanoma), lachrymal glands (adenoid cystic carcinoma) or surrounding sinuses. In extremely rare cases the use of a prosthetic eye after enucleation can lead to anophthalmic socket tumours. We report the case of a 54-year-old man who had left eye enucleation due to recurring events of retinal detachment and who developed an invasive fast growing epidermoid carcinoma 30 years later. We review the literature to evaluate the rarity of the occurrence, time of onset after enucleation, treatments and outcomes. Our case illustrates the management of the pathology and emphasises the necessity of careful examination of the anophthalmic socket and the ocular prosthesis to identify any irregularities or damage on its surface even after exenteration that is not performed for malignant disease. Long-term follow up is necessary because this tumour could occur at long time periods after enucleation.

Postoperative Complications of Dermis-Fat Autografts in the Anophthalmic Socket

Reconstruction of the anophthalmic socket allows the use of an ocular prosthesis and rehabilitation of facial appearance. Dermis-fat grafting is one option in volume augmentation of the anophthalmic socket and presents unique benefits, including increased surface area within the socket and the ability to grow with pediatric patients. Postoperative complications of this procedure are relatively common. Minor complications, such as graft hirsutism, keratinization, and conjunctival cysts or granulomas, are managed easily by observation or simple intervention. Major complications, such as graft atrophy, infection, or ulceration, may prevent good prosthesis fit and may require return to the operating room.

Conjunctival Blue Naevus in an Anophthalmic Socket

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To describe an unusual brown pigmented lesion of the conjunctiva in an anophthalmic socket in a 16-year-old male.

PROCEDURES

A 16-year-old male patient presented with socket irritation whilst wearing an artificial eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction. An area of flat, subepithelial, dark brown pigmentation with irregular and indistinct borders on the bulbar conjunctiva of the anophthalmic socket was seen. The patient believed it had been present for at least 2 years. His past ocular history was of childhood trauma to the right eye at the age of 9 years, and he underwent primary enucleation and hydroxyapatite orbital implant insertion at that time. Unfortunately, the implant extruded and was removed a year later.

RESULTS

An incisional biopsy of the pigmented lesion showed a conjunctival, subepithelial bland spindle cell melanocytic lesion, with uniform-sized and -shaped melanosomes. Immunohistochemistry showed the cells to express Melan A and HMB45 and they were negative for CD68 and pan-cytokeratins. The features were of a common blue naevus.

CONCLUSION

This is the first documentation of a post-enucleation conjunctival naevus in an anophthalmic socket. We propose a pathogenesis and suggest surveillance as there is a risk of transformation to melanoma.

Cohesive silicone gel implants with smooth, textured or polyurethane-coated surface to restore volume in eviscerated sockets

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the three different surface coating on cohesive silicone gel implants in eviscerated rabbit eye sockets. Forty-five albino rabbits underwent right eye evisceration and received hemisphere-shaped cohesive silicone gel implants with smooth (Group 1), textured (Group 2), or polyurethane-coated surface (Group 3) in the socket. The animals were euthanized at 7, 30, and 90 days postoperatively. Computed tomography of the orbits was performed prior to euthanasia. Subsequently, the orbital contents were removed and underwent histologic and morphometric examination. Data were statistically analyzed. There were no adverse effects throughout the study. The majority of implants in the Group 1 exhibited 180° rotation. The Group 3 experienced an intense inflammatory reaction around the implant and implant deformation probably due to pseudocapsule contraction. Cohesive silicone gel implants had good integration into the scleral socket. Optimal results were obtained with cohesive silicone gel textured implants (Group 2). Smooth implants (Group 1) rotated significantly, whereas polyurethane (Group 3) coated implants precipitated an intense inflammatory reaction and were deformed postoperatively.

Dermal-fat graft for anophthalmic socket in children enucleated for retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent intraocular tumour in childhood. The definitive treatment is enucleation. The management of the anophthalmic socket consists in the use of a plastic implant. The problem is that they are expensive and they usually extrude. The use of dermal-fat grafts minimises the hemi-facial hypoplasia. They usually grow with the face, and help to expand the orbital bones, thus avoiding the psychological and physical consequences.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there is hemi-facial hypoplasia, using MRI images after the use of a dermal-fat implant in patients enucleated for RB.

METHOD

The study included patients enucleated for RB in which a dermal-fat implant was used and MRI images were taken in the period between June 2010 and December 2012. Facial growth and cosmesis was measured.

RESULTS

The study included 12 patients, aged between 6 to 41 months. After 24 months of follow up, none of them developed hemifacial hypoplasia. All had a good cosmesis with the prosthesis. There were no complications after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of dermal-fat implant is a good option for the anophthalmic socket in patients with RB after enucleation.

A Novel Method for the Management of Anophthalmic Socket

An orbital defect causes severe facial asymmetry and disfigurement that result in an immense emotional trauma to the patient and is also associated with economic, esthetic, and psychological problems. A prosthetic replacement is the treatment of choice in helping individual to return to his normal life by producing an acceptable and lifelike appearance. This case report describes the critical areas of fabrication of ocular prosthesis for a patient with missing right eye due to trauma to eye ball in an accident. Patient had given a history of surgical enucleation of the eye 15 days after ocular trauma. A polymethyl methacrylate ocular prosthesis was planned. The technique described in this case report presents the use of both custom-made and stock eye shell in an attempt to include the benefits of both. A novel attempt was made to simulate eye movements and exact color matching to that of contralateral eye to provide a better and functional ocular prosthesis to the patient.

Surgical rehabilitation for anophthalmic sockets devoid of orbital implant

PURPOSE

To determine the necessity of rehabilitative surgical procedures for no implant anophthalmic sockets, and predictive factors of corrective operations after secondary orbital implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nineteen unilateral anophthalmic patients without orbital implant were included. The distance of eyebrow, upper eyelid margin, and lower eyelid margin from the horizontal medial canthal line (BM, UM, and LM, respectively) was measured using photographs. The anophthalmic orbit anatomy was compared with that of the healthy side using CT scans.

RESULTS

Five (26.3%) patients showed satisfactory results with the secondary implantation alone. Fourteen (74%) patients needed additional surgeries for ptosis, shallow inferior fornix, enophthalmos, or lower eyelid malposition. Separated superior muscle complex and prominent intermuscular septum connecting the levator and the lateral rectus muscles were noticeable in CT scans. Predictive factors for ptosis surgery included longer BM (p = 0.04), shorter distance from the superior orbital wall to the upper margin of the prosthesis (p < 0.01), and a longer height of the prosthesis (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Most patients needed multiple operations after secondary implantation for rehabilitation. Additional ptosis operation may be required for patients with a high brow on the anophthalmic side, a vertically long prosthesis, and an impinged prosthesis against the superior orbital wall.

Porous and nonporous orbital implants for treating the anophthalmic socket: A meta-analysis of case series studies

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of porous and nonporous implants for management of the anophthalmic socket.

METHODS

Case series meta-analysis was conducted with no language restriction, including studies from: PUBMED, EMBASE and LILACS. Study eligibility criteria were case series design with more than 20 cases reported, use of porous and/or nonporous orbital implants, anophthalmic socket and, treatment success defined as no implant exposure or extrusion. Complications rates from each included study were quantified. Proportional meta-analysis was performed on both outcomes with a random-effects model and the 95% confidential intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 35 case series studies with a total of 3,805 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There are no studies comparing porous and nonporous implants in the anophthalmic socket treatment. There was no statistically significant difference between porous polyethylene (PP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) on implant exposure: 0.026 (0.012-0.045) vs 0.054 (0.041-0.070), respectively and, neither on implant extrusion: 0.0042 (0.0008-0.010) vs. 0.018 (0.004-0.042), respectively. However, there was a significant difference supporting the use of PP when compared to bioceramic implant: 0.026 (0.012 -0.045) vs. 0.12 (0.06-0.20), respectively, on implant exposure.

CONCLUSION

PP implants showed lower chance of exposure than bioceramic implant for anophthalmic socket reconstruction, although we cannot rule out the possibility of heterogeneity bias due to the nature and level of evidence of the included studies. Clinical trials are necessary to expand the knowledge of porous and nonporous orbital implants in the anophthalmic socket management.