New osmotically active hydrogel expander for enlargement of the contractedanophthalmic socket

Background: Clinical anophthalmia is characterized by the absence of an eye ball within the orbit and can result in overall growth retardation of the f acial skeleton. The goal of treatment consists of fitting a serial prosthes is following rapid expansion of the contracted socket as soon as possible t o achieve cosmetically acceptable eyelid and orbital symmetry. Methods: Four children, aged 3-11 months, were treated by implantation of a n anhydrous, highly hydrophilic tissue expander into the rudimentary conjun ctival sac, With hydration of up to 98% in 72 h, the copolymer of methylmet hacrylate and vinylpyrrolidone acts like an osmotically self-inducing socke t expander. Results: In the course of 3 months the previous contracted socket was enlar ged, the horizontal lid length increased and the hydrated expander could be exchanged for a custom-made glass prosthesis. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest that this new device can be used to avoid early plastic surgery of the eyelid. In addition, it also may enlarg e the volume of the bony orbit.