Meshed conjunctival incision technique: an efficient technique for contracted eye socket

Abstract

Objective: To present a surgical technique for socket reconstruction in cases in which forniceal shortening by scar has made it difficult to successfully wear an ocular prosthesis.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 19 contracted eye sockets that underwent forniceal reconstruction with meshed conjunctival incision technique from 2009 to 2012. The technique included three steps: meshed conjunctival incision, lower forniceal reconstruction and upper fornix incision.

Results: There were 17 male and two female patients, with an age range between 6 and 67 years. Duration of forniceal shortening varied from 6 months to 8 years. The mean follow-up period was 13.6 months. All patients were able to wear and maintain an acceptable prosthesis following the surgical procedure. Only two patients had mild entropion which occurred at 1 month. No cases of postoperative exposure, infection, extrusion or granuloma formation were encountered.

Conclusion: The meshed conjunctival incision technique is a simple, safe and effective method for treating a contracted socket. Most of the patients obtained aesthetically satisfactory results at follow-up from 3 months to 3 years post surgery.