Prosthetic conformers: a step towards improved rehabilitation of enucleated children

Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2002 Feb;30(1):58-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1442-9071.2002.00472.x.

Abstract

Enucleation in children is distressing for families, particularly because of concerns of cosmesis. In the last 2 years the authors have used painted conformers instead of clear conformers to make the postoperative healing and rehabilitation period easier on the families. A set of six prosthetic conformers (small, medium and large; blue and brown) was available in the operating room. An appropriately sized and colour-matched conformer was placed in the socket at the end of surgery and kept for an average of 4-6 weeks. This decreased the psychological impact of enucleation, yet achieved the goals of an ideal conformer allowing optimal wound healing without pressure to fit a permanent individualized prosthesis earlier than 6 weeks after surgery. The acceptance of families to prosthetic conformers in this paediatric population has been very positive, improving rehabilitation of the family and the enucleated child.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Eye Enucleation / psychology
  • Eye Enucleation / rehabilitation*
  • Eye, Artificial*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Orbital Implants
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Vision, Ocular / physiology