Eye prosthetics, also known as artificial eyes or ocular prostheses, work by fitting over an orbital implant and mimicking the appearance of a natural eye. Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Surgical Preparation (Evisceration or Enucleation): Before a prosthetic eye can be fitted, the natural eye must either be removed (enucleation) or the contents of the eye removed, leaving the scleral shell (evisceration). In both cases, an orbital implant, often made of a biocompatible material like hydroxyapatite, is surgically placed to replace the volume lost. This implant allows for some movement of the prosthetic.
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Ocular Implant Integration: The orbital implant integrates with the surrounding tissues and eye muscles. This integration is crucial because it's what allows some movement to be transferred to the prosthetic eye.
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Prosthetic Eye Creation: An ocularist, a specialist in creating and fitting prosthetic eyes, crafts a custom prosthesis.
- Impression and Fitting: The ocularist takes an impression of the eye socket to ensure a perfect fit.
- Iris Creation: The ocularist hand-paints the iris (the colored part of the eye) to precisely match the color and details of the remaining natural eye.
- Sclera Detailing: The white part of the prosthetic (sclera) is also meticulously painted to replicate the blood vessel pattern of the existing eye.
- Shell Fabrication: The prosthetic is typically made of a durable, medical-grade plastic.
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Prosthesis Movement: The prosthetic eye fits over the orbital implant. While the eye muscles are attached to the implant, the range and speed of movement in the prosthetic eye are generally less than those of a natural eye. It moves in conjunction with the natural eye, providing a more natural appearance.
Key Considerations:
- Customization: Each prosthetic eye is unique and custom-made for the individual.
- Maintenance: Prosthetic eyes require regular cleaning and polishing.
- Movement Limitations: While modern prosthetics offer some degree of movement, they cannot replicate the full range of motion of a natural eye.
- Comfort and Fit: A properly fitted prosthetic eye should be comfortable to wear.
- Appearance: The goal is to create a prosthetic eye that is as natural-looking as possible.
In summary, eye prosthetics function by being custom-made to fit over an orbital implant, allowing some movement, and are carefully painted to match the appearance of the natural eye. While not a replacement for natural vision, they provide a significant improvement in appearance and quality of life for individuals who have lost an eye.
