Living with enucleation (removal of an eye)

The removal of an eye is sometimes used to treat conditions, such as eye cancer, and very severe infections. It can also be an option for people who have both total vision loss and extreme pain in one eye. Whatever the reason is for removing an eye, it’s natural to feel worried about the operation and to think about how you’ll adapt to monocular vision (having vision in only one eye).

You’ll need some time to recover from the operation and to get used to wearing an artificial eye. With time, and if the vision in your remaining eye is good, it can learn to work with the brain to compensate for the removed eye.

Living independently with enucleation

In the following video, Sam shares her experience of living with enucleation.

You'll notice some changes to how you see when relying on one eye after eye removal. As  your eye and brain adjust, you'll notice:

• It's harder to judge distances (loss of depth perception)
• Some loss of field of vision (known as peripheral vision) on the side of your affected eye

It can be difficult at first, but some practical things can make life easier while you get used to monocular vision:

• Use the handrail when going up and downstairs, as it can be harder to judge the depth of steps and get your footing
• Try resting the edge of drinks containers and bottles against the cup or glass you're pouring into to help avoid spills
• Ask people to stay on the side where you're most comfortable. This could be the side with non-affected vision so that you can see them. Or it could be walking on the side of your lost eye to help you avoid obstacles
• Try turning your head more to compensate for losing some field of vision and the extra blind spots that it creates
• Take breaks from activities like reading and watching television to avoid possible eyestrain in your remaining eye
• To take extra care of your remaining eye, you can use protective eyewear for activities that could cause eye injuries, like DIY and contact sports
• Keep having regular eye tests with an optometrist to check on your remaining eye. They'll be able to detect any eye conditions, often before you notice any symptoms, and ensure you get the right treatment

At Guide Dogs, we have a wide range of services, both with and without guide dogs, and a team of experts who can work with you to understand your needs and agree on a plan that’s right for you.

The ways we could help you:

• Habilitation or rehabilitation of important life skills
• Our guide dog service
• Our Vision Rehabilitation Specialists can make recommendations best suited to you and your needs
• Tips and advice to help you make the most of your remaining vision
• Resources and support on how technology can improve your independence

Please note: Whilst Guide Dogs may be able to suggest various third-party websites which may be able to assist you, those are not endorsed by Guide Dogs. Guide Dogs have no control over those third parties and cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information and support they can provide or the suitability and quality of any products or services they provide.