Removal of the eye with socket ablation. A limited subtotal exenteration

Following enucleation or evisceration, the wearing of a prosthetic eye may be impractical, impossible, or undesirable. We describe herein 10 patients for whom a prosthesis was not feasible and who therefore underwent removal of the eye with extirpation of the conjunctiva, tarsi, and lid margins, followed by lid closure. The procedure as originally described is suitable for a wide range of disorders. Modifying the technique to incorporate simultaneous removal of the conjunctiva, tarsi, and lid margin together with enucleation of the globe permitted the use of the operation in the treatment of patients with ocular and conjunctival surface malignant neoplasms. Although the procedure does not replace simple enucleation of the globe or exenteration of the orbit, it is useful under certain circumstances.