Scleral Cap Augmentation in Ocular Evisceration

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oculoplastics
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Ocular evisceration is a procedure for blind, painful eyes.
• Placement of larger orbital implants can improve cosmetic outcomes.
• Current techniques may limit implant size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an anterior scleral capping technique.
• To enable the placement of larger orbital implants during ocular evisceration.
• To evaluate the use of human donor sclera or preserved pericardium for capping.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective interventional case series of six patients.
• Standard evisceration followed by placement of the largest possible spherical implant.
• Scleral capping using a donor scleral button or pericardium.

Main Results:

• Mean implant size was 18 mm.
• Five of six patients had uncomplicated postoperative courses with intact grafts.
• One patient experienced partial graft dehiscence; no implant exposures occurred over 12 months mean follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Anterior scleral capping is a simple technique for larger orbital implants post-evisceration.
• The technique demonstrates good graft integration and favorable short-term outcomes.
• Further research is needed for long-term safety and impact on socket syndrome.