Let's learn everything about a prosthetic eye in simple terms.

Losing an eye due to an accident, a medical condition, or a congenital cause is a very emotionally and mentally difficult experience for many people. They have to live with feelings of fear and embarrassment when facing society and meeting new people. But there is a very good solution in medicine for this. That is the use of an artificial eye, or as it is called in medicine, an ``Ocular Prosthesis''. Let's talk about all this today.

What exactly is this artificial eye?

Simply put, an artificial eye is a medical device that is designed to look like your real eye. It is used to fill the empty eye socket after an eye has been removed due to an accident or illness. Sometimes, they are also used in cases where an eye is not present at birth (anophthalmia).

Although many people call these "glass eyes," the artificial eyes currently being made are not actually made of glass. They are made of a special type of acrylic that fits the body.

An artificial eye serves two main purposes:

1. Aesthetic: A person's appearance is very important. Having a prosthetic eye that looks just like a real eye can give you a lot of strength to function in society without shame, fear, and with good self-confidence .

2. Medical reasons: This is not just for appearance. It replaces the removed eye tissue. It also protects the eye socket from foreign objects such as dust and dirt.

Are there different types of artificial eyes?

Yes, there are different types that are used depending on the need. Although these are often pre-made (stock) ones, doctors recommend using a custom-made artificial eye that is made specifically for each person. Let's look at the main types.

How does the entire process of making and implanting an artificial eye work?

This needs to be done very carefully, it is a process that takes place in several steps.

1. Removal of eye tissue: First, your ophthalmologist will surgically remove the existing eye tissue. This surgery can be done in different ways, such as evisceration or enucleation.

2. Implantation of the eye socket: This is usually done at the same time as the eye removal surgery. This implant helps to maintain the exact shape of the eye socket.

3. Inserting a 'conformer': The temporary plastic piece we talked about earlier, called a ``conformer'', is inserted after surgery. This helps to hold the eyelid and socket in place until the permanent artificial eye is inserted.

4. Allow time for healing: It can take several weeks or months to fully heal after these surgeries.

5. Taking a wax mold: Next, an ocularist will take a wax mold to precisely match the shape of your eye socket.

6. Customization: Using that mold, the specialist will create the artificial eye to match the shape, size, color, and movement of your other eye.

7. Painting: Next, the fine blood vessels in the white part of the eye and the color of the black iris are painted to look exactly like the other eye.

8. Fitting the artificial eye: Finally, the specialist will remove the temporary ``Conformer`` and fit the newly made artificial eye. He will also show you how to remove and re-fit it.

What are the advantages of using an artificial eye?

The advantages can be mainly divided into two categories.

• Appearance and Mental Well-being: Many people are afraid to face society when they lose an eye. However, with an artificial eye that looks just like a real eye, that fear disappears and they can act with good self-confidence . This is a great boost to mental health.
• Safety: The artificial eye maintains the shape of the eye socket and protects it from dust and dirt.

Are there any side effects or disadvantages?

If you follow the instructions exactly, wash your hands thoroughly, and use it cleanly, the risk of complications is very low. However, sometimes you may see things like this:

• Discharge from the eye socket.
• Pain in the eye socket.
• Turning the lower eyelid outward (ectropion).
• Drooping of the eyelid (ptosis).
• Infections in the eye socket or surrounding tissues.
• Inability to close the eyelid completely (lagophthalmos).

If you feel anything like this, see your doctor immediately.

How long will it take to get used to this? What can be done to make it easier to use?

Most people usually get used to it within a few days or a week. Experts advise wearing it as much as possible, including while sleeping.

There are a few things you can do to make it easier to use:

• Clean it exactly as instructed: Your specialist will tell you how to clean it and what liquids to use. Using the wrong things can damage the artificial eye.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching: This can help prevent infections from germs on your hands.
• Use artificial tears: If necessary, using this type of liquid can help keep the eyes lubricated and reduce discomfort.
• Don't remove them too often: This is not like regular contact lenses. Most people are advised to remove them less than once a month. Talk to your doctor about this.

Losing an eye is not an easy experience. It is also normal to worry about how others see you. An artificial eye is not just a matter of appearance. It is a medical necessity, but also a great boost to your mental health and self-confidence. If you have a condition that requires an artificial eye, talk openly with your doctor about it. He or she will help you find the best solution for you.

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