Enucleation & Evisceration Surgery in Beverly Hills & Greater Los Angeles
When a damaged, painful, or non-functioning eye threatens your health or quality of life, specialized surgical care such as enucleation or evisceration may be recommended. Dr. Kami Parsa, an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills, performs these procedures with precision, compassion, and close attention to both medical and appearance-related outcomes. Serving the greater Los Angeles community, including Century City, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and West Hollywood, Dr. Parsa provides a specialized approach to eye removal surgery and ocular prosthetic rehabilitation.
Dr. Parsa’s research background is closely tied to the conditions that can lead to eye removal and to the implants used afterward. At USC’s Department of Ophthalmology, he worked on developing an animal model for adenoid cystic carcinoma, and he later co-authored a published article in the Journal of AAPOS on treating pediatric adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. During his fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he researched customized facial implants for reconstruction and the role of biofilms in chronic infections of oculofacial implants. He has lectured internationally on innovations in complex orbital reconstruction and holds hospital affiliations with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Los Angeles General Medical Center. His complete background is available on his credentials page.
“Losing an eye is a life-changing decision, and patients deserve time to understand it. My goal is to relieve pain, protect their health, and help them feel comfortable with how they look afterward.” — Dr. Kami Parsa
What Are Enucleation and Evisceration?
Enucleation is the surgical removal of the entire eye (globe). It is typically performed for intraocular tumors, severe traumatic injury, or a blind eye with pain that cannot be controlled. In certain cases, such as severe trauma where there is concern for sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare condition in which inflammation in an injured eye can threaten vision in the healthy eye, enucleation may be recommended.
Evisceration involves removing the contents of the eye while leaving the white outer shell (sclera) and eye muscle attachments in place. It is generally not recommended when an intraocular tumor is suspected, but it may be considered for a blind, painful eye without an underlying malignancy.
Both procedures result in permanent loss of vision in the affected eye, which in most cases has already lost useful vision. For many patients, surgery provides meaningful relief from pain, removes an ongoing health threat, and, with a custom ocular prosthesis, restores a natural facial appearance.
If you have experienced a recent eye injury, sudden vision loss, or severe eye pain, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Ocular Prosthetics and Care in Greater Los Angeles
Patients facing eye removal often seek a specialist who can address both medical safety and facial symmetry. Dr. Parsa works closely with skilled ocularists in Southern California to create natural-looking prosthetic eyes and coordinate personalized post-operative care. You can learn more about ocularists through the American Society of Ocularists.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Eye Removal Surgery
Dr. Parsa and his team guide patients through every step, from diagnosis and decision-making to surgical planning and long-term recovery. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia. During surgery, a permanent orbital implant is typically placed to replace lost volume, and a conformer, a temporary clear shell, is placed behind the eyelids to maintain the shape of the socket while it heals.
About four to six weeks after surgery, once the socket has healed, patients are typically referred to an ocularist for fitting of a custom-made ocular prosthesis designed to match the other eye. Recovery instructions, follow-up care, and emotional support are all carefully addressed by the team.
Why Choose Dr. Kami Parsa for Enucleation or Evisceration
Eye removal requires both surgical expertise and sensitivity. Dr. Parsa’s practice is focused on the eyelids, orbit, and surrounding facial structures.
- Research Background in Orbital Implants: His fellowship research on facial implants and implant-related infections informs how he approaches the orbital implant that supports your prosthesis.
- Experience With Ocular Tumors and Trauma: Dr. Parsa’s research and hospital affiliations support care for patients whose eye removal follows cancer or serious injury.
- Collaboration With Ocularists: He coordinates with experienced ocularists so the prosthesis fits comfortably and looks natural.
- Attention to Long-Term Socket Health: Follow-up care addresses the eyelids and socket over time, including later procedures if the prosthesis needs better support.
- Compassionate Guidance Through a Difficult Decision: Patients are given time, clear information, and emotional support throughout the process.
Schedule an Enucleation or Evisceration Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you or someone you love is considering enucleation or evisceration, choose a practice that focuses on both functional precision and natural appearance. Located in Beverly Hills and serving the broader Los Angeles region, Dr. Kami Parsa offers a highly personalized approach to this life-changing surgery. Contact the practice to learn how you can restore comfort and regain confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Enucleation & Evisceration
Medically reviewed by Kambiz K. Parsa, M.D. on
- Is the procedure covered by insurance?
- Will the artificial eye look realistic?
- Is there pain after the procedure?
- How long does the healing process take?
- Can you help with the emotional impact of eye loss?
In most medically necessary cases—such as cancer, trauma, or severe eye disease—insurance does provide coverage. Our team will help you navigate the benefits process.
Go To TopExperienced ocularists design prostheses to match your natural eye in size, color, and shape. Most patients are pleased with the appearance, although prosthetic eye movement is usually more limited than a natural eye.
Go To TopSome discomfort is expected and is typically managed with medication. Many patients experience significant relief from the chronic pain that led them to seek surgery.
Go To TopInitial healing typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks. The final prosthetic fitting happens after the socket has healed. If the eyelids or socket later need support, eyelid reconstruction may help.
Go To TopYes. Dr. Parsa and his staff understand the emotional side of this surgery and can provide referrals to counseling services and peer support resources. You can also read Eye Removal Surgery on the blog.
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