To assess the tear production and severity of discharge and factors affecting them in subjects with acquired anophthalmic socket (AS).

Subjects with acquired anophthalmic socket of more than 6 years of age were included (2013-2014). Exclusion criteria were previous eyelid/ lacrimal drainage system (LDS) surgery, abnormality of eyelid/ LDS and contracted socket of any severity. Eyelid examination, tear meniscus height (TMH) and Schirmer test (ST) were performed on both sides. Subjects filled in a questionnaire regarding to their discharge and AE.

Included were 50 patients with a mean age of 31.3 years and mean time of wearing artificial eye of 96.1 months. Mean TMH and ST value were significantly less in the AS than normal side. All complained of discharge. 86% had moderate to severe discharge. Cause, duration of artificial eye wearing and presence of eyelid laxity did not have a significant effect on the mean TMH, mean ST, severity and amount of discharge, and frequency of taking out the artificial eye.

Significantly lower TMH and ST imply an impaired tear production in anophthalmic socket. Discharge characteristics and dryness of socket were not affected with duration of AE wearing, cause of anophthalmic socket and eyelid laxity/lagophthalmos.