1. Custom Made Ocular Prosthesis (Artificial Eye) |
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| Custom made ocular prosthesis is also known as an artificial eye, is an acrylic prosthesis used when an eye is surgically removed threw Evisceration or Enucleation. During surgery, a ball & flower implant inserted into the eye socket to fill the area the eye once occupied. An ocular prosthesis is then molded to fit in front of the implant. It occupies the space between the eyelids and the skin (conjunctiva) covering the implant. The ocular prosthesis is normally made four to six weeks after surgery in order to allow the socket tissues to heal adequately. Prior to that time, a thin plastic plate, called a conformer, is sometimes worn in place of the prosthesis. This prevents shrinkage of the tissue and helps to prepare the socket for ocular placement. Until the ocular prosthesis is fitted, the upper eyelid can be droopy in appearance. The prosthesis will help support the eyelid and allow the lids to open and close normally. |
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Fitting of an Ocular Prosthesis (Artificial Eye) |
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| In fitting of the artificial eye, ocularist begins taking impression with soft alginate material of the surgically repaired eye socket. This process lays the foundation for finest comfort, appearance and motility of the eye. After taking impression first laboratory process begins which will be used as a foundation for final shape. Next process is iris painting. The iris is hand painted onto a slightly curved plastic disc. High quality acrylic paint are used to maximize the three dimensional effect, creating a more realistic appearance. As many coats of paints are used to create all the striations of color found in human iris. Once dry, the colored iris is then fused into white acrylic. Tiny red fibers are lined onto the surface of the eye (sclera) to simulate the vein pattern in the retained eye. Scleral tones ranging from pink, gray blue and yellow are the added to ensure the artificial eye matches the retained eye. Finally, the entire eye is covered with a thin layer of clear plastic which soothes the surface, seals in the veins and gives the appearance of a corneal dome found on the human eye. Once cured, the eye is polished and then final fitting of the eye takes place. |
2. Scleral Cover Shell Prosthesis (Cosmetic Shell) |
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| Also known as a scleral cover shell, is a thin, plastic prosthesis used when an eye is malformed as a result of a birth defect or becomes non- functioning due to subsequent illness or injury. In such cases, the non-functioning eye is left within the eye socket. Prosthesis can then be molded to fit between the lids and the blind eye. Scleral cover shells fit directly over the malformed eye. Sometimes a “trial shell” is fashioned to allow the eye to grow habituated to the direct contact of the prosthesis. Cover shells impart a better cosmetic appearance by closely resembling the remaining good eye, while leaving the affected eye in the socket. |
Fitting of an Ocular Prosthesis (Cosmetic Shell ) |
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| Cosmetic shell is used to cover a blind, unsightly eye that has not deteriorated and not in condition that requires Enucleation. Phthisis bulbi, (shrinking of the eye) is a common reason for the fitting of a cosmetic shell. They also provide a smooth surface for the eye lids to close over thereby improving comfort for the patient. Cosmetic shells are very thin compared to regular ocular prosthesis and require precise fitting to achieve successful results. The patient is usually fitted with a clear cosmetic trial shell made from a direct impression of the eye. Instructions are given to the patient on how to insert and remove the trial lens and a wearing schedule is provided. In the majority of cases, patients become very comfortable with the cosmetic shell in a very short time. The most important consideration for most patients, is to be able to wear the shell while in public and during normal working hours. If necessary however, the ophthalmologist can resolve a discomfort problem. Wearing a shell a usually well tolerated. When the shell can be comfortably worn, a white plastic cosmetic shell of the same shape is manufactured and hand painted to match the details of the companion eye. This type of shell usually provides an excellent result and improved patient comfort. A carefully crafted cosmetic shell not only looks like the other eye, it usually moves in a synchronous manner with the other eye. In addition to the improved appearance and increased comfort, the fitting of cosmetic shell provides a more natural surface for normal lacrimal tear function. |