What is an Artificial Eye?

5/13/2020

I am often asked by patients questions about Artificial Eye such as: "Is it a surgery?" "Why is it a custom-made more expensive than a ready made?" and "Who needs an Artificial Eye?"

What is an Artificial Eye

An Artificial Eye, or Prosthetic Eye

An Artificial Eye is a type of prosthesis used to replace a removed or damaged eyeball.
It has two goals. The first is to aesthetically replace the removed/damaged eyeball to make it look like it was never damaged/removed. 2nd is to maintain the space of the eye socket where the previously removed eyeball is located.

Who usually wears Artificial Eyes?

Photo of a patient who lost her eye because of an Infection.

People who experienced an end-stage eye disease in one or both eyes and their Ophthalmologist opted to remove the eyeball/s for medical reasons. Others are those who need to have their eyes removed because of a traumatic accident damaging the eye beyond repair. Some people who use an Artificial eye are those who had their eye damaged; however, their Ophthalmologist decides not to remove the eye.

Customized vs. Ready-made Artificial Eye

Some prosthetic eyes are made readily where a doctor would choose from a tray of many Artificial eyes with different sizes and colors. These ready-made prosthetic eyes are usually cheaper as compared to the custom-made ones. In the long run, they are difficult to maintain, polish, and adjust due to the uncertainty of how it is made.
Custom-made prosthetic eyes are customized in such a way that factors such as the size and shape of the prosthetic eye is considered in relation to the patient’s eye socket.
Also, the Ocularist can hand-paint the prosthetic eye to make the color of the prosthesis closer to the real eye.

Is it a Surgery?

No. The prosthetic Eye fitting does not include surgery. Surgeries are usually done before the fitting of an Artificial Eye, and patients would have to wait for another 2 to 3 months to have a prosthesis fitted to them.

Dr Mark Paroli is a board certified Doctor of Optometry in the Philippines. He has special interest in Ocular Prosthesis, Orthokeratology, and Low Vision Rehabilitation. He is an Advocate of children with Low Vision and Myopia Progression Control. He Finished his Masters in Business Administration at the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

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