Orbital Implants

 The orbit (eye socket) is shaped like an ice cream cone, with the eyeball at the front and the orbit walls being made of bone. The orbit has a small volume of about 30ml, of which 7ml the eyeball. Other important structures that are situated in the orbit include the muscles controlling eye movement, the optic nerve, fat to cushion the eye and large arteries and veins.

If there is an imbalance between the volume of the orbit and its contents this will affect the cosmesis and function of the orbit and eyelids. For example loss of trauma can cause loss of the fat cushioning behind the eyeball. This will give the eye and eyelids a sunken appearance. A blow to the eye socket, such as a punch can cause one or more of the bony walls of the orbit to break outwards and so enlarge the size of the orbit again allowing the eye to “fall back” giving a sunken appearance. If there is a break in the wall of the orbit muscles that move the eye can get entrapped and double vision can result.

Orbital implants can be made from different substances, A/Prof Wilcsek will usually use a porous material with the structure similar to coral so that your body’s blood vessel and tissue can grow into the implant and incorporate it into the surrounding structure of the orbit.
Orbital implants can be placed over traumatic breaks in the orbital walls to stop muscles and orbital fat from being entrapped and causing double vision.

Orbital implants are also useful in replenishing the volume of the orbit to push the eye forward again and cure a sunken appearance.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and are in no way intended as medical or surgical advice. All surgery can result in both minor and major complications, and the risks, postoperative course and final outcome will vary with each patient that undergoes a surgical procedure. If you are thinking about surgery it is important to consult a qualified medical practictioner.