Frequently
Asked Questions
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Q.
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What
is the best possible option for maximum motility in my
ocular prosthesis or artificial eye? |
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A.
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Motility of the ocular prosthesis or artificial eyes depends
on the motility of the remaining eyeball or presence of
a well centered optimal sized orbital implant in the orbit.
In best of circumstances the motility could be as much
as 50% of the normal eyes in horizontal as well as vertical
gazes. Biointegrated orbital implants may be pegged with
Motility Coupling Post (MCP) to enhance the motility further
to about 80% in the horizontal gaze. Its not possible
as of today to have 100% motility of the ocular prosthesis. |
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Q.
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How these custom artificial eyes are different from readymade
or stock artificial eyes? |
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A.
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Readymade
or Stock eye are produced in mass without conforming to
any particular shape and size of the socket or any particular
color of the iris. This is why they do not fit any particular
individual and may not mach in color. An exact match in
shape, size as well with color is practically impossible
with readymade eyes. Moreover because they don't follow
the contours of the socket there is a gap behind the artificial
eye that collects the discharge. Result is uncomfortable
prosthesis wear for the patient with continuous discharge
and inflammation of the socket behind. Chronic inflammation
of the socket can lead to socket contraction over period
of years that may result in inability to accommodate prosthesis
in the socket. This condition warrants an extensive surgery
to reform the socket before artificial eyes can be fitted
again. A custom artificial eye follows the contour of
the socket thereby preventing any discharge collection
and patient can wear it continuously without discomfort
or discharge. In addition the color of iris is painted
carefully matching with the normal eye therefore it offers
excellent color match as well. |
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Contracted socket of the
left eye following prolong use of stock artificial eye
that required surgical correction, photograph on the right
after surgical correction.
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Q.
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Why should I wear custom artificial eye? |
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A.
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Custom
artificial eye not only restores the natural look of the
face but also maintains the socket in a healthy state.
It rectifies the problem of watering or discharge from
anophthalmic socket (eye socket without an eyeball). |
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Q.
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What is an Orbital implant? |
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A.
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An orbital implant is a device to augment the volume of
orbit after surgical removal of eye. It can be either
Biointegrated (porous implants of Hydroxyappatite or polythene)
or non- Biointegrated (Acrylic). Advantage with Biointegrated
implant is that they are vascularised by the orbit tissue
and MCP (Motility Coupling Post) can be fitted in this
and pegging artificial eye with MCP can enhance motility
of the ocular prosthesis. |
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Q.
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Q. How long does an artificial eye last? |
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A.
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Artificial eye usually lasts 7-10 years. After this period
they may not be as comfortable because of the change in
the composition of the plastic caused by tear enzymes.
However there are patients wearing artificial eye for
more than 20 years without any problem. The period of
comfortable period could be subjective depending on the
health of ocular adnexa. |
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Q.
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What is the procedure of making and fitting artificial
eyes? |
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A.
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Kindly refer to the section on procedures
for details.
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Q.
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How often should I follow up with Ocularist or artificial
eye maker? |
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A.
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One should see the ocularist once in a year to assess
the fit and repolishing of the prosthesis. |
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Q.
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How
should I care for my prosthesis? |
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A.
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The custom ocular prosthesis
is made up of high-grade medical grade PMMA and is quite
inert to the tissue. The surface is made extremely smooth
with special polishing and rubbing with any rough material
may damage its surface. It is therefore to wash it gently
with clean water and mild bathing soap whenever required.
When not worn in the eye socket it should be stored in
saline solution or Contact Lens Solution. Unless there
is discomfort the artificial eye should be left undisturbed
in the socket itself. |
