evisceration
Pronunciation: ee-vis-er-AY-shun
Surgical removal of intraocular contents while preserving the scleral shell and extraocular muscles.
Full Definition
Evisceration is a surgical procedure that removes all intraocular contents including the cornea, iris, lens, vitreous, and retina, while leaving the scleral wall intact along with the extraocular muscles and optic nerve. This approach is preferred over enucleation when there is no risk of malignancy, as it provides better prosthetic motility and reduced surgical morbidity. The procedure is commonly performed for painful blind eyes, severe endophthalmitis, or trauma where globe salvage is impossible. An orbital implant is typically placed within the scleral shell to maintain orbital volume.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from enucleation (removes entire globe) and exenteration (removes orbital contents).
In Context
- "Evisceration with implant placement was performed for the endophthalmic eye." — Oculoplastic surgical note
- "The patient achieved excellent prosthetic motility following evisceration." — Post-operative follow-up