Causes of enucleation of the eye at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. A study of 101 eyes

Causes of enucleation of the eye at Lagos University Teaching Hospital over a period of 10 years - January, 1976 - December, 1985 were reviewed. One hundred and one (5.7%) eyes were enucleated out of the 1758 eye operations performed over this period. Most of the patients were below the age of 30 but their mean age was 14.5 years. The three commonest causes of enucleation were tumours (41.7%) chronic inflammatory diseases (16.8%) and glaucoma (12.3%). Retinoblastoma was the commonest tumour encountered, and most of the patients presented late leaving enucleation as the main line of treatment. Staphyloma is the commonest chronic inflammatory disease, and frequently due to measles. Injury accounted for only (7.9%). Positive measures to eradicate measles and to reduce trauma are advocated.