03/23/2020
Caring an Ocular Prosthesis
FAQ’s
How often should I remove my prosthesis?
Try to leave the prosthesis in as much as possible. Taking it in and out changes the orbit’s flora and can cause irritation and infection.
How often should I get my eye polished?
Once or twice a year. Seeing your ocularist on a yearly basis is good for preventative care. If we see any changes in your eye socket, we can direct you to an ophthalmologist to avoid complications.
Are secretions normal?
Yes, secretions are normal, especially if your prosthetic eye gets dry. Notify your ophthalmologist if they become green or bloody.
What is my prosthetic made of?
Prosthetic eyes are made of poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA). This is a medical grade acrylic, which is quite resistant.
How often should I replace my prosthesis?
This varies for each patient but on average it will last about 7-8 years. The reason to change it is often because of the cosmesis. The natural eye ages and eventually, the two don’t match anymore! Delamination can also occur with time, which means you must get a new prosthesis.
How long will it take for me to get used to monocular vision?
This is different for every patient but about two years. 3D will not come back but the brain will rewire itself to accommodate monocular vision.
What is an orbital implant?
An implant is a structure that is surgically placed into the anophthalmic socket. It is used to replace volume and transfer movement to the prosthesis.
My eyelid seems to be sunken above my eyelid, how can this be fixed?
This condition is called superior sulcus. It is defined as the loss of tissues in and around the orbit. A larger prosthesis can help camouflage this but only to a certain extent. Surgery is sometimes the only fix.
I have a droopy upper eyelid, how can this be fixed?
The medical term for a droopy eyelid is “ptosis”. By enlarging the prosthetic, we can sometimes achieve a parallel opening. When the ptosis is severe, surgery is oftentimes needed.
