Ocular Prosthesis (Artificial Eye)
When ocular prostheses are used, custom-made prostheses, possible problems and advice for wearers.
Ocular prostheses are used when an eye has been surgically removed after an accident or disease. They do not restore sight, but they give a good cosmetic appearance.
Eyes that cannot see are removed when they look unsightly or are painful. The eye can be removed with several techniques:
- Removal of the whole eyeball (enucleation): used for tumours of the eye.
- Removal of the contents of the eyeball (evisceration): used when the eye is removed for reasons other than a tumour.
- Removal of the eye together with the eyelids (exenteration): in tumours that affect the eyelids as well as the eye, the eye and lids are removed completely.
The implant placed in the eye socket can be made of various materials, including acrylic, silicone and porous materials (hydroxyapatite, porous polyethylene). Porous materials are the most widely used today because they are light and allow blood vessels and tissue to grow into them. Their lightness prevents sagging towards the cheek over the years, and the ingrowth of vessels and tissue gives the prosthesis better movement.
In some cases an ocular prosthesis is fitted without removing the eye. In eyes that are smaller than normal (phthisical), the prosthesis can be placed over the person’s own eye; a prosthesis used in this way is called a “scleral shell”.
Using a prosthesis is especially important for children who have lost an eye, because without it the facial bones on that side remain small. In children the prosthesis is enlarged every year.
Prostheses are made of a material called acrylic. Ready-made prostheses are sold by some opticians, but their use is not recommended. The ideal is a prosthesis made specifically for the person from a mould of the eye socket.
Custom-made prostheses move reasonably well, though never as much as a natural eye. To increase movement, a peg can be fitted that connects the prosthesis to the implant inside the socket, but this system has its own problems, such as frequent infection and the implant working its way out.
Possible Problems with Ocular Prostheses
- Itching and mucous discharge
- The socket that holds the prosthesis sagging towards the cheek
- Changes in the shape of the eyelids
Advice for Prosthesis Wearers
- Do not take your prosthesis out at night; sleep with it in. This keeps the socket from narrowing and also reduces discharge.
- In the morning, wash the base of your lashes with a lather of baby shampoo and rinse with plenty of warm water.
- Put plenty of artificial tears on your prosthesis during the day (for example five times a day).
- Wear glasses. This protects your healthy eye and makes the prosthesis less noticeable.
- When talking to people, turn your head rather than your eyes, so that the prosthesis, which moves less, does not attract attention.
- If you have itching or discharge, see your eye doctor and use the anti-allergic drops they recommend.
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
With every surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.