[Clinical anophthalmos. Cosmetic outcome after 2 years therapy with an orbital expander for stimulating orbital...

Congenital anophthalmos is a rare condition in which intervention in an early age can stimulate orbital expansion. The therapeutic goal was to allow retention of a suitable prosthesis and to maximise facial symmetry.

We report on 3 anophthalmic newborn male patients, of which one presented with microphthalmos in the other eye as well as associated systemic disorders. Solid moulded shapes were adapted and manufactured out of methylmethacrylate to increase expansion of orbital soft tissue and bone. The moulding of the orbita was performed by silicone made of two components under general anaesthesia during the first two years of life. The following day the solid shapes were fitted in the outpatient department. They were increased in size when they started to rotate within the orbit or when the eyelids were relatively loose around the solid shape. The initial insertion of the orbital expander was performed in the first weeks after birth and was repeated every 3 to 6 weeks within the first year of life. The degree of orbital expansion was determined by measurements of the horizontal eyelid length, the volume of the solid shapes, by measuring the volume in cm3 of water displaced by the shape after submerging it in a cylinder of water and assessment of the cosmetic aspect.

Within 8 months of therapy a horizontal eyelid lengthening to 10 mm and an increase of the volume of the orbital expander from 1.5 cm3 to 6 cm3 was achieved in patient 1. After 20 months of therapy patient 2 showed symmetry of the face and the horizontal eyelid length. In patient 3 therapy started 3 years late and after 2 years only a horizontal eyelid lengthening of 3 mm and a suboptimal symmetry of the face was achieved.

Our own experience suggests that early prosthetic fittings are necessary for an ideal cosmetic outcome. Motivation and cooperation of the parents is an important factor to achieve optimal results.