The domed dermis-fat graft orbital implant

Dermis-fat grafts have been widely used in the reconstruction of the anophthalmic socket, both primarily after enucleation and secondarily after extrusion or migration of an existing implant. The dermis-fat graft is an effective means of replacing orbital volume and affording motility of the ocular prosthesis with both low morbidity and a satisfactory cosmetic result. We present a modification to the dermis-fat graft technique. Our modification creates a domed shape to the anterior surface of the graft that simulates the curvature of the eye. The dome-shaped graft creates deeper fornices than a standard flat-surfaced dermis-fat graft. It also allows better contact between the prosthesis and the dermis as the graft moves. The prosthesis can be thinner centrally and lighter than a prosthesis fabricated for a socket with a standard dermis-fat graft or spherical implant. This results in better motility of the prosthesis while also replacing orbital volume. There is no additional morbidity associated with this technique. We have used this procedure successfully in 18 patients; 10 were primary grafts and eight secondary grafts. Motility of the prosthesis was satisfactory in all cases. There was no abnormal graft shrinkage. All grafts maintained their domed shape. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 21 months.