Evisceration and Enucleation – Prosthetic Eye Surgery

Medically reviewed by: Op. Dr. Alim Hüseynov · Last updated: 7 September 2026

When is the eye removed?

Removal of an eye is considered only when there is no alternative: a blind and persistently painful eye, severe injury that cannot be repaired, an intraocular tumour that cannot be treated by eye-preserving means, severe infection that does not respond to treatment, or — occasionally — to prevent sympathetic ophthalmia, an inflammatory reaction that can threaten the other eye. The decision is made after full assessment and after alternatives have been discussed.

Evisceration and enucleation

• Evisceration: the intraocular contents are removed while the scleral shell and the eye muscles remain in place. Movement of the prosthesis is generally better and the procedure is less disruptive to the orbit. It is not used where an intraocular tumour is suspected.
• Enucleation: the whole globe is removed and an orbital implant is placed. This is required in intraocular tumours and in some severe injuries, since it allows the eye to be examined pathologically.

In both procedures an implant restores orbital volume. Approximately four to six weeks later, once healing is complete, a custom ocular prosthesis is fitted over the implant by an ocularist and matched to the other eye in colour and detail.

Living with a prosthesis

• The prosthesis is cleaned as instructed; handling with clean hands matters.
• Regular review with the ocularist keeps the fit correct; the prosthesis is usually polished periodically and replaced after several years.
• The socket is examined for discharge, discomfort or lid changes.
• The remaining eye becomes critical. Protective eyewear is recommended for sport and work, and regular examination of that eye is essential.

Support

Losing an eye is a significant event, physically and emotionally. Adaptation to reduced depth perception takes time and improves with practice. Psychological support and clear information about what to expect are part of proper care, and questions about appearance, work and driving should be raised openly before surgery.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between evisceration and enucleation?

Evisceration removes the contents and keeps the scleral shell; enucleation removes the whole globe. Tumours require enucleation.

When is the prosthesis fitted?

Usually four to six weeks after surgery, once healing is complete. It is made and matched by an ocularist.

Will the prosthetic eye move?

It moves with the implant and the eye muscles. Movement is generally better after evisceration, though it is less than a natural eye.

How should I protect my remaining eye?

Protective eyewear for sport and work, and regular eye examinations. The remaining eye becomes your only eye and must be looked after.

Medically reviewed by

Op. Dr. Alim Hüseynov — Ophthalmologist — refractive laser surgery, cornea and oculoplastic surgery, Nişantaşı Hastanesi Göz Merkezi. Our doctors

This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor. Treatment decisions are made after examination and diagnostic tests.