Meshed conjunctival incision technique: An efficient technique for contracted eye socket

SummaryObjectiveTo present a surgical technique for socket reconstruction in cases in which forniceal shortening by scar has made it difficult to successfully wear an ocular prosthesis.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 19 contracted eye sockets that underwent forniceal reconstruction with meshed conjunctival incision technique from 2009 to 2012. The technique included three steps: meshed conjunctival incision, lower forniceal reconstruction and upper fornix incision.ResultsThere were 17 male and two female patients, with an age range between 6 and 67 years. Duration of forniceal shortening varied from 6 months to 8 years. The mean follow-up period was 13.6 months. All patients were able to wear and maintain an acceptable prosthesis following the surgical procedure. Only two patients had mild entropion which occurred at 1 month. No cases of postoperative exposure, infection, extrusion or granuloma formation were encountered.ConclusionThe meshed conjunctival incision technique is a simple, safe and effective method for treating a contracted socket. Most of the patients obtained aesthetically satisfactory results at follow-up from 3 months to 3 years post surgery.