Indications for surgical removal of the eye in adults: a five-year review

To determine the indications and procedures used for removing the eye in adults in our environment.

A retrospective study of destructive ocular surgeries carried out between January 1999 and December 2003. Theatre and case records of adult patients that underwent surgical removal of the eye over a five-year period were reviewed. Clinical and histological diagnoses were obtained as well as type of surgery and personal data. Results were analysed using simple percentages.

The most common indication for removing the eye in adults was due to trauma in 47 (45.6%) cases while evisceration was the most common surgery performed in 91 (88.3%) cases. Males were three times more likely to lose an eye than females. In 74.8% of cases, the loss of an eye was in young persons less than 50 years.

The economically productive age group are more likely to lose an eye. The reason for the loss of an eye in most cases is largely avoidable. Lack of education on ways to prevent ocular injuries and improved access to eye care services requires urgent attention.