What is the difference between enucleation and evisceration?

The distinction between enucleation and evisceration is crucial in ophthalmic surgical practices, particularly in cases of severe eye disease or injury. Enucleation refers to the surgical removal of the entire eyeball, which includes the globe and all associated contents. In contrast, evisceration involves the removal of the ocular contents (such as the retina, vitreous, and other internal components) while leaving the scleral shell (the outer white part of the eye) intact.

The preservation of the scleral shell during evisceration allows for potential prosthetic fitting without the need for a complete orbital reconstruction, which can be beneficial for patient outcomes. This difference in procedure implies varying indications: enucleation may be indicated for more extensive pathological conditions, while evisceration may be used in cases where the outer shell can still provide structural support.

Understanding this distinction reinforces the importance of knowing the surgical approaches in ophthalmology, as selecting the appropriate procedure directly impacts the postoperative recovery and prosthetic options for patients.