[Hema socket expander in primary conservative treatment of congenital anophthalmos].

In anophthalmos the forces which stimulate development and growth of the bony orbit are absent. As a result these cases have not only a tiny socket but also an underdeveloped bony orbit, which cannot retain an artificial eye. The small conjunctival sac and bony orbit can be mechanically enlarged by means of Hema socket expanders. This hydrophilic material can be manufactured in different forms and sizes and expands the socket and orbit by increasing in volume after hydration. After expanding the conjunctival sac to a certain size the next-larger form is fitted to the socket; the procedure is repeated until an artificial eye can be worn.