The main factors reducing the effectiveness of ocular prosthetics in congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia: a retrospective analysis

Objective. To analyse and evaluate the results and effectiveness of ocular prosthetics in patients with congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia based on four years of observation data. Materials and methods. The clinical observation group consisted of 270 (two hundred and seventy) patients: 202 patients with congenital anophthalmia (74.8% of patients) and 68 patients with congenital microphthalmia (25.2% of patients). A retrospective study was conducted based on clinical data collected between 2020 and 2024 at the Eye Prosthetics Centre in Moscow. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 80 years. The ophthalmological examination included: assessment of the conjunctival cavity (condition of the arches, its configuration), external examination methods (position of the eyelids, width of the eye slit) and biomicroscopy of the conjunctiva and the surface of the ocular prosthesis. Photography was used at all stages for objective assessment of the results and monitoring of effectiveness. Discussion. Retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of ocular prosthetics in patients with congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia revealed that the results depended on age and management tactics. The key prognostic factors for success were: early primary prosthetics, adherence to the schedule for planned replacement of ocular prostheses, thorough hygiene and regular care of the conjunctival cavity and prosthesis, and the absence of conjunctival inflammation. Conclusion. Stepwise ocular prosthetics is a key rehabilitation method for patients with congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia. The best functional and cosmetic results are observed with the use of custom-made prostheses that compensate for the missing volume and accurately imitate the appearance of a healthy eye. A comprehensive approach minimises psychological trauma and creates conditions for successful social adaptation of the patient.