An anophthalmic socket is a term used to describe an eyeless orbit. Usually, anophthalmia is acquired, not congenital. The precipitating event that leads to the eye loss causes the patient emotional distress and insecurities. As an oculoplastic specialist in NYC, Dr. Schwarcz can reconstruct the eye socket and eyelid before an ocularist makes a prosthetic eye. The surgeon uses several techniques to restore function to these structures:
Ectropion repair via canthoplasty.
Orbital volume augmentation.
Upper eyelid ptosis blepharoplasty.
People of all ages can have an anophthalmic socket. Common causes of anophthalmia are blunt injuries, infections, genetic mutations and prenatal deformities. When an injury is to blame, the patient should visit an oculoplastic surgeon who will work with him or her to create a surgical plan. To determine the best course of treatment, the surgeon must first examine the site of injury at the surgeon’s office. Dr. Schwarcz has two practices where he routinely sees his patients in New York.
Patients should expect a recuperation period of several weeks after their anophthalmic socket surgery. Hygiene is crucial during this time. Patients who are given a prosthetic eye must clean it with water and soap every day. Children who have an ocular prosthesis typically require several fittings since their facial structure changes as they grow.
People should seek a cosmetic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive facial surgery involving the tear drain system, orbit and eyelids. The surgeon should be an American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery member, which demonstrates that the surgeon is a board-certified ophthalmologist trained in the areas of ophthalmic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a board-certified ophthalmologist and ASOPRS member who has a comprehensive background in socket surgery and knows the structure and anatomy of the orbit and eyelid. Those who want to find out what treatment options are available for their anophthalmic socket should contact Dr. Schwarcz’s office in New York City or Scarsdale.
