«Back to the glossary index

Trauma, congenital defects and some diseases can cause the total or partial loss of the eyeball. In these cases, it is best to opt for an ocular prosthesis that serves as a replacement and helps improve the patient's appearance. 

Although people can lead a normal life with the vision of only one eye, the loss of the eyeball is a reality that is very difficult to assimilate and has psychological, aesthetic and social consequences. 

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what eye prostheses are for and what types exist. 

eye prosthesis

What is an ocular prosthesis?

An ocular prosthesis is an artificial replacement of the eye that is used to compensate for the aesthetic, psychological and social problem caused by the loss of the eyeball. 

When an eye is lost, there are two options: cover the cavity with an eye patch or place an ocular prosthesis. The reconstruction of the orbital cavity through oculoplastic surgery and the adaptation of ocular prostheses offer the patient an excellent aesthetic recovery. 

The only function of plastic reconstruction of the eye with an ocular prosthesis is to improve the patient's quality of life. 

PREMIUM QUALITY

There are three types of ocular prostheses:

  • Double or single ocular prostheses: they are manufactured from a iris hand painted. They are usually adapted in the procedures of enucleation of the eye and its thickness depends on the size of the patient's orbital cavity.
  • Scleral shells or cosmetic shells: their thickness is thinner than that of double or simple prostheses. These are painted on the same material and are recommended for patients with receding eyes. They are also an option when the contact lens cannot fit properly. 
  • Conformers: they are white and transparent prostheses that serve to fill the cavity while the definitive prosthesis is placed. 

How are ocular prostheses applied?

The surgical procedure to apply an ocular prosthesis may vary depending on the patient's condition. The most used techniques are the following: 

  • Evisceration o Enucleation: Enucleation consists of completely emptying the eyeball. To apply the prosthesis, the ophthalmologist adapts the implant to the extraocular muscles so that the prosthesis mimics the movement of the eye. During evisceration, the eyeball is emptied, but the muscles and the sclera.
  • Dermo-fat grafts: it is used when there are alterations in the orbital implants, contraction of the socket, deformation of the superior sulcus. This technique can be combined with an enucleation.
  • Reconstruction of sac bottoms: it allows to reconstruct the internal part of the eyelid. Thanks to this procedure, a better movement of the eyeball is achieved and the eyelids close better. Eyelids.

Cleaning and maintenance of your prosthesis

The care and cleaning of an ocular prosthesis is very important to preserve it in good condition. Some care after a prosthesis implant in the eye are: 

  • Do not remove the prosthesis for several continuous days. 
  • Clean the prosthesis with gas permeable lens fluids.
  • If the ophthalmologist recommends it, the prosthesis should be removed daily to clean the eye.
  • In case of secretions and rheum, frequent cleaning of the ocular structure must be maintained. 
  • Wear protective glasses when playing sports. 
  • Wear sunglasses to prevent discoloration of the prosthesis material. 
  • Wear goggles to swim on the beach or in the pool.

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We are experts in the implantation of ocular prostheses. If you need cleaning or maintenance on your ocular prosthesis, do not hesitate to make an appointment. We will serve you in the best way!

Summary
ocular prosthesis
Article name
ocular prosthesis
Description
The care and cleaning of the ocular prosthesis is necessary so that the eye cavity is as good as possible.
Author
Name of the editor
Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
Editor's logo
Synonyms:
False eye, Eye prosthesis
«Back to the glossary index