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Removal of the Eye

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Oculoplastic surgeons at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, provide specialized surgical options to relieve eye pain and address serious, potentially life-threatening eye conditions. Eye removal is recommended only when necessary, such as for blind, painful eyes, severe trauma, or malignant tumors. Our experts carefully evaluate each patient’s needs to ensure the safest and most effective care.

Types of Eye Removal Surgery

Evisceration: Removal of the eye’s contents while leaving the sclera (white part of the eye) and muscles intact.

Enucleation: Complete removal of the eyeball, with detachment and reattachment of the eye muscles to an implant.

Exenteration: Removal of the eye and surrounding structures, such as eyelids, fat, and muscles, typically for extensive tumors or trauma.

All surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) and specially trained in ophthalmic plastic, orbital, and ocular oncology surgery.

Who is a Candidate?

Eye removal can relieve pain and reduce health risks for individuals with:

  • Severe trauma to the eyeball
  • Painful blind eyes
  • Malignant tumors
  • Infections unresponsive to antibiotics
  • Prevention or treatment of sympathetic ophthalmia (a serious autoimmune condition)
  • Congenital absence or underdeveloped eye
  • Cosmetic improvement for disfigured eyes
  • Orbital tumors

What to Expect

Surgery is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation and typically lasts 1–2 hours.

Evisceration: The cornea and internal contents are removed, and an implant is placed inside the sclera.

Enucleation: The eyeball is disconnected from the muscles and optic nerve and removed. An implant is placed to restore volume, and eye muscles are attached to allow natural movement of the prosthesis.

Post-Surgery Considerations

Vision in the removed eye is permanently lost. Eye transplants are not currently available.

Depth perception and the field of vision will be reduced.

Discomfort is typically managed with prescribed pain medication.

Patients are advised to protect the remaining eye using polycarbonate lenses.

We recommend reading A Singular View: The Art of Seeing with One Eye by Frank B. Brady to help adjust to vision changes.

Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report

  • Nationally recognized for expert eye care.

Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care

  • We provide guidance and support throughout your treatment.

Specialized Expertise

  • Our surgeons have advanced training in ophthalmic plastic and orbital surgery, ensuring the best outcomes for both function and appearance.

FAQ

Why would an eye need to be removed?
Enucleation treats untreatable pain, infection, cancer, or severe trauma. It’s a last resort to protect health and quality of life.
Under general anesthesia, the eye is detached and removed, implant placed for prosthesis support. Hospital stay 1-2 days.
Other eye compensates; depth perception adjusts. Prosthesis restores appearance—no binocular vision loss impact if one eye.
Pain managed with meds, stitches out in weeks. Emotional support key; return to activities in 4-6 weeks.
Yes, like radiation or chemo for tumors, but if ineffective, removal prevents spread. Counseling helps decision-making.

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