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What is a prosthesis ~
When an eye is removed (enucleation), the surgeon places an implant into the socket that remains buried in the tissue for lifetime. About 6 weeks after surgery when the tissue is healed without swelling, an ocular prosthesis (artificial plastic eye) is fitted by an ocularist (artist who specializes making the artificial human eye) to cover the buried implant. The prosthesis is a removable device and resembles a thick contact lens. The prosthesis fits comfortably and provides a natural appearing eye that matches the opposite eye.
Prosthesis in a hand.
Ocular Prosthesis following eye removal
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How long can a prosthesis be worn ~
A prosthesis can be worn for life, but it should be cleaned during bath or showering with rinsing of the surface using clean warm water. A warm washcloth can be used to wipe off debris without removing the prothesis. Every 1 to 6 months, depending on the amount of mucous, it should be removed to clean off dried mucous or debris. An eye doctor or ocularist can remove the prosthesis at their facility for cleaning. Sometimes a prosthesis feels dry and artificial tears are necessary for lubrication.
Should the prosthesis be replaced ~
During the patient’s lifetime, the prosthesis may become scratched or malfitting so that it might need to be completely remade. This will be determined by the twice yearly examination from the ophthalmologist or ocularist.
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