Complications associated with use of tantalum-mesh--covered implants

In 1948, ophthalmologists started implanting plastic spheres partially covered with tantalum mesh (eg, the Valley Forge Implant) in anophthalmic sockets. Numerous patients have developed complications ten to 15 years after surgery: pain ("pinching" or "deep"), headache, heavy mucopurulent discharge and diffuse conjunctival inflammation, migration of the implant, thinning or erosion of tissues covering the implant (extrusion), and inability to wear an artificial eye. Management includes refabrication of the artificial eye and replacement of the implant with a dermis-fat graft or a silicone ball plus scleral graft. Tantalum-mesh--covered orbital implants should probably not be used.