Prosthetic eyes are also known as ocular prosthetics or artificial eyes. They are custom-made from acrylic plastics one at a time. Even though artificial eyes made from blown glass have not been fit since the 1940s in North America, the term glass eye is sometimes used as well.
There are two types of ocular prosthetics: the scleral shell and the conventional prosthesis. Other products include custom conformers for specialized surgery and on the very odd occasion prosthetics for cinematic special effects or museum standards.
Custom Scleral Shell
This is a very thin prosthesis designed to go over a damaged, blind eye that has not been removed or into an eviscerated socket.
A scleral shell is fit to a blind globe or following an ocular evisceration surgery.
Custom Ocular Prosthesis
Sometimes referred to as a “glass eye” or ‘artificial eye”, this is your standard hand-crafted prosthesis for an enucleated socket.
A conventional prosthesis is generally fit following an enucleation surgery, where the globe is surgically removed entirely and a spherical shaped implant is inserted into the cavity.
Other Products
Trial Shell
Sometimes, before fitting a scleral shell, the socket must be assessed and prepared using a trial shell to determine the viability of wearing a scleral shell long term.
Custom Conformer
A conformer is used to assist in the healing of the socket. For young children, a series of expansion conformers can be used to promote the development of the socket and bony orbit as the child grows.
Supporting Care And Other Services
Along with the offered products, Denver Ocular provides supporting care and services:
Checkup/Cleaning: recommended twice a year; the ocularist will remove the prosthesis to clean and reglaze the surface. During this appointment, the ocularist will also inspect the socket to ensure continued optimal health.
Adjustments: over the life of the prosthesis (5 years) the soft tissue of the eye socket can sometimes change. In these cases, the prosthesis can be adjusted to maintain optimal fit and appearance.
Build-Up: similar to an adjustment, a buildup is used to enlarge the device to maintain retention, comfort and appearance.
Consultation: Whether you have recently had surgery, have a blind eye that could benefit from a scleral shell, or have been wearing an ocular prosthesis for a long time and just want some information, consultations at Denver Ocular are always free, and and we are happy to share our thoughts on the best care options specific to you.
Recoloring: Typically the color of the prosthesis will last for at least the useful life of the prosthesis (5 years), in some circumstances, such as excessive sun exposure, the color can fade. In cases such as cataract surgery or age related pigmentation, the color of the companion eye can change and no longer match the prosthesis. In instances where the color no longer matches but the device is not eligible for a full replacement, the ocularist can grind off the top layer of acrylic, paint over the old artwork and reseal the prosthesis to create a perfect match again.
Service Recommendations
Typically, a visit for cleaning and re-glazing is recommended every six months. The artificial eye should be replaced every five years. The reasons for replacement can include changes to color, appearance, fit, and comfort. It is also important to replace the prosthesis after five years to prevent socket inflammation and itching due to the degradation of the acrylic plastics. The plastic will “gas out” as it naturally degrades due to environmental exposure and fluid absorption; it releases this gas directly into the socket. Studies at the University of Laval in Quebec have shown that acrylic plastic can maintain its integrity for a five-year period before degradation begins. The ocularist will assess changes to the socket and make recommendations to maintain optimum appearance and comfort.
