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A Patient’s Guide to Enucleation – WAHT-PI-0248

This leaflet has been compiled to help and advise you on what will happen before and after an enucleation.

WHY DO I NEED TO HAVE MY EYE REMOVED?

An eye is removed:-

a. In cases of severe disease

b. In cases of severe infection

c. To relieve pain and to improve the appearance.

WHY ME?

To be told that you have to have an eye removed is obviously a great shock both to you and to your family and friends. It is important to remember that you are not alone during this difficult time. A member of staff is always available to talk to and advise you. You will have many questions to ask which we will try and answer for you and we hope this leaflet will act as a useful reference.

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE THE OPERATION

Your operation may need a general anaesthetic and may require a night or two in hospital. If you would like to speak to a patient who has gone through this type of operation we will be happy to arrange this for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE OPERATION

After your operation you will need to wear an eye pad for one or two days to reduce any swelling that may occur.

You may experience some discomfort, pain relief tablets may be required. The eyelids may be bruised and swollen; a temporary glass shell will be fitted at the earliest opportunity.

WHAT IS A TEMPORARY GLASS SHELL?

A temporary shell is used to keep the eyelids open. There is a hole in the centre to let air into your socket and to allow any discharge out, thereby encouraging healing.

The nurse will allow you to handle a shell and after she has shown you how to insert and remove the shell she will let you ‘try this for yourself’ *. You will be allowed plenty of time / several visits to become confident with your shell and its care.

*Or a relative if necessary

WHEN CAN I HAVE MY ARTIFICIAL EYE?

When the socket has healed enough (approximately 4-6 weeks) you will receive an appointment to see the artificial eye fitter.

During your first visit, he will fit you with a temporary artificial eye whilst your own artificial eye is made, which may take several visits.

The artificial eye fitter is trained to advise you on the care of your artificial eye and socket and will keep appointments with you at regular intervals after your final eye is fitted.

SOME DISADVANTAGES OF HAVING AN ARTIFICIAL EYE

When you lose an eye you also lose three dimensional vision – you will need to take extra care with steps and pouring liquids. Your field of vision will be reduced therefore you will need to turn your head to see things on the affected side and take extra care when crossing roads.

If you are still eligible to drive you must inform your insurance company and the DVLA.

You will soon become used to these small disadvantages, find your own solutions and they will become second nature to you.

If you have any concerns or questions do not hesitate to ask the nursing staff

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Thursday from  8.30am to 4.30pm and Friday: 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that a voicemail service is in use at busy times, but messages will be returned as quickly as possible.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.