Eyes are sometimes removed during an autopsy, primarily to obtain vitreous humor for analysis. This fluid, found within the eye, can provide valuable information about the time of death and the presence of certain substances, aiding in determining the cause of death, especially in suspicious trauma or pediatric cases.
Why Vitreous Humor is Important
- Determining Time of Death: The concentration of certain substances in vitreous humor changes predictably after death, helping forensic pathologists estimate the post-mortem interval.
- Detecting Toxins: The vitreous humor can reveal the presence of drugs, alcohol, or poisons, offering crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding death.
When Eye Removal Occurs
The removal of eyes is not a routine procedure in every autopsy. It's performed selectively in cases where:
- Suspected Trauma or Pediatric Cases: As noted in a reference, ocular enucleation (removal of the eye) can aid in diagnosing the cause of death in these specific situations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11520270/
- Toxicological Analysis: When drug or poison involvement is suspected, vitreous humor is a valuable source of evidence. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1966150-overview
- Specific Investigative Needs: Other situations may require eye removal for detailed examination; however, this is less common.
It's important to note that while eye removal can occur, it's not always necessary and is performed selectively based on the specific needs of the case. In many instances, the vitreous humor is extracted using a syringe without removing the entire eye. https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-the-first-thing-that-is-done-in-an-autopsy-is-that-the-eyeballs-are-drained-with-a-syringe
