Rehabilitation of anophthalmic patients. Results of a survey [Rehabilitation anophthalmischer patienten: Ergebnisse einer umfrage]

Background. We surveyed ocularists' views on orbital implants, secondary surgical procedures, patient satisfaction, and co-operation between ophthalmologists and ocularists. Method. A 14-item questionnaire was sent to all 29 ocularists working in Germany all 4 in the Netherlands. Results. Primary implants are generally recommended, preferably dermofat grafts and "baseball" implants. Outcome depends crucially upon surgical procedure and postoperative course. Scepticism is common toward secondary surgical procedures, with the success rate estimated at 70%. Cooperation between ocularists and ophthalmologists is generally regarded as unsatisfactory, also the information provided to the patients by the ophthalmologist after enucleation. Conclusions. The ocularists demand best possible enucleation techniques including the use of primary implants. However, they are critical toward secondary procedures for correcting postenucleation socket syndrome. Cooperation between ocularists and ophthalmologists need to be improved in providing patient care.