Five-Year Analysis of Indications, Surgical Approach, Orbital Implants, and Clinical Outcomes of Anophthalmic Surgery: The North East England Study

Purpose To evaluate the indications, surgical approaches, implant use, and outcomes of anophthalmic surgery in the North East of England, to better understand the current practice. Methods This multi-centre, retrospective study reviewed all anophthalmic surgeries performed in the North East of England from 2012 to 2016 across three tertiary centres. Data on patient demographics, indications, surgical types, anaesthesia, orbital implants, histopathology, postoperative care, and complications were collected and analysed. Results 62 patients (n = 63 eyes) were included in the study with the mean age of 57. A total of n=54 (85.7%) eviscerations and n=9 (14%) enucleations were included, with one patient undergoing bilateral eviscerations. The most common indication for evisceration was painful blind eye (n=38) and for enucleation was intraocular malignancy (n=7). The majority (n=58, 92%) of the anophthalmic procedures were carried out under general anaesthesia and n=2 (3%) were carried out under local anaesthesia. The most common choice of implant included were Silicone and Acrylic. The most commonly chosen size of implant was 20mm, which was used in 42% of the cases. The complications were rare and effectively managed. Conclusions Evisceration was the most common anophthalmic surgery, with non-porous silicone implants preferred unless infection was present. Both procedures were safe, highlighting the importance of improved diagnosis and treatment for end-stage ocular diseases.