Alphasphere as a Successful Ocular Implant in Primary Enucleation and Secondary Orbital Implant Exchange

Abstract

This initial report indicates that Alphasphere can be successfully used in the management of an anophthalmic socket. The advantages of the Alphasphere implant include: it does not require tissue wrapping, extraocular muscles can be directly sutured to the implant, it maintains a smooth surface to limit risk of exposure due to conjunctival breakdown, and undergoes anterior orbital fibrovascular ingrowth which optimizes prosthesis location and socket motility.

The Use of Functional Biomaterials in Aesthetic and Functional Restoration in Orbital Surgery

“…It offered various advantages, such as eliminating the need for tissue wrapping, facilitating direct muscle suturing, reducing exposure risks, and optimizing the placement and maneuverability of prostheses. Notably, only one patient required implant removal due to a sinus infection, while another experienced slight implant shifting [163]. However, Yadav and his team presented a case of a 54-year-old diabetic patient who underwent a secondary Alphasphere implant after enucleation due to endophthalmitis.…”

Biopolymeric Innovations in Ophthalmic Surgery: Enhancing Devices and Drug Delivery Systems

“…Alphasphere is an FDA-approved orbital implant made of poly-HEMA (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Its unique two-phase structure, which combines a porous sponge front with a nonporous gel back, enhances prosthesis placement and maneuverability while mitigating tissue integration risks [ 52 ]. In a study, Shevchenko et al demonstrated its effectiveness in managing anophthalmic sockets, offering benefits such as direct muscle suturing and reduced exposure risks.…”