A person can lose an eye due to an accident, a serious illness like cancer, or a congenital problem. This is truly a painful and traumatic experience. Fear of facing society and anxiety about how others view them can lead to depression. But with the advancement of medicine today, there is a very good solution to this. That is an artificial eye, or as it is called in medical science, an 'Ocular Prosthesis'.
Simply put, what is a prosthetic eye?
An artificial eye is a medical device that is made to fill the empty space (eye socket) where your eye was removed for some reason. It is designed to look very similar to your other healthy eye. While these used to be made of glass, they are now made of a special type of acrylic. But you may still hear some people call them "glass eyes."
There are two main purposes for using this:
1. Aesthetic: Many people are depressed because of the change in appearance that occurs when they lose an eye. However, when they wear an artificial eye that looks like their own eye, that shame and fear disappear and they build great self-confidence.
2. Medical reasons: This not only fills the space in the eye, but also provides protection by preventing foreign objects like dust and dirt from entering that space.
An artificial eye is not just something that makes you look better. It is a medically important device that protects your eyeball.
What are the types of artificial eyes?
There are several types of artificial eyes. Your doctor will decide which type is best for you based on your condition. Although there are pre-made (stock) eyes available in stores, experts always recommend using a customized artificial eye.
| Artificial eye type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prosthetic Contact Lens | This can be used if the cornea of the eye is damaged, but only the appearance is unsightly. They also help with conditions such as sensitivity to light (photophobia). |
| Scleral Shell | If your eye is not completely removed, meaning there is still part of the eye, you can place this over that eye. This is useful for conditions such as Phthisis bulbi, where the eye is damaged and shrinks. |
| Conformer | This is a temporary device. It is placed after eye removal surgery to maintain the shape of the eye socket and prevent scar tissue from forming until a permanent artificial eye is implanted. |
| Orbital Prosthesis | This large silicone device is used if not only the eye, but also surrounding tissue such as the eyelashes, eyebrows, and eyelids have been surgically removed (exenteration). |
How does the process of getting an artificial eye work?
This is a process that takes place in several steps and takes some time.
1. Removal of eye tissue: First, an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) will surgically remove the damaged tissue from your eye. This surgery is called `(Evisceration)` or `(Enucleation)`.
2. Socket Implant: This is done in the same way as an eye removal surgery. The implant is done to maintain the shape of the socket where the eye was.
3. Inserting the conformer: The temporary conformer we talked about earlier is inserted at this time. This is done to protect the gap until the permanent eye is created.
4. Allow time for healing: It can take several weeks, or even months, for the wounds to heal after these surgeries.
5. Taking measurements: After the wounds have healed, an ocularist will take a wax impression of the space where your eye used to be and take measurements.
6. Custom eye design: Based on the measurements taken, the Ocularist will create the artificial eye to match the color, size, shape, and movement of your other eye.
7. Coloring: Next, the fine blood vessels in the white part of the eye and the color of the black iris are very delicately painted onto this artificial eye.
8. Putting on the artificial eye: Finally, the temporary conformer is removed and the newly made artificial eye is put on. You will also be shown how to take it off and put it back on.
This entire process can take several days or weeks, and you may need to go in several times to get the perfect fit.
How long can an artificial eye be used?
Generally, if properly cleaned and polished at least once a year, they can last for about five years. However, some artificial eyes can last even longer.
What are the possible side effects?
If you follow the instructions exactly and maintain cleanliness, the risk of complications is very low. However, sometimes you may see things like this:
- Discharge from the eye socket
- Pain
- Ectropion (turning of the lower eyelid outward)
- Drooping of the upper eyelid (Ptosis)
- Infections in the eye socket or surrounding tissues
- Inability to close the eyelid completely (Lagophthalmos)
If you experience anything like this, tell your doctor immediately .
What can be done to make wearing an artificial eye easier?
It may take a few days or a week to get used to this, but if you follow these instructions, it will be much easier for you.
- Clean exactly as instructed: Use only the type of solution and method recommended by your Ocularist . Using anything else could damage the prosthetic eye.
- Wash your hands before handling: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the artificial eye. This will help prevent infection from germs on your hands.
- Use artificial tears: If necessary, use artificial tear drops as directed by your doctor. This will make wearing the artificial eye more comfortable.
- Reduce the frequency of handling and removal: This is not something that needs to be removed as often as a regular contact lens. It is generally recommended to remove it less than once a month. Talk to your specialist about this to find out exactly.
Losing an eye is a big challenge in life. But rather than worrying about it, it is important to think about the solutions that are available. An artificial eye is something that gives great strength to your appearance as well as your mental health. If you have to face a similar situation, do not be ashamed or afraid of it. Talk openly with your doctor. Then you will be able to get the best solution for you.
Take-Home Message
- An ocular prosthesis is a medical device used to restore vision and protect the space where an eye was lost.
- These are now not made of glass, but custom-made from a special type of acrylic.
- Getting an artificial eye is a multi-step process, which includes surgery and the creation of the eye by a specialist (ocularist).
- If properly cleaned and maintained, an artificial eye can last for many years.
- If you experience any discomfort or pain while wearing your braces, see your doctor immediately. It is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor without embarrassment or fear.
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