Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that eye loss can be a traumatic experience, and we want to assure you that you are not alone. We know getting a prosthetic eye is a big change, but it is also an opportunity to start fresh and to embrace a new chapter in your life. Your ocularist will fit and fabricate a prosthetic eye that is both comfortable and natural-looking. You can also learn how to care for and maintain your prosthetic eye so that it lasts for many years to come.

We are here to support you every step of the way.

What should I expect?

The ocularist will start by asking you about your medical history and the reason for your visit. They will also want to know about your expectations for the prosthetic eye.

The ocularist will then examine your eye socket and take measurements. They will also take an impression of your eye socket to create a custom-made prosthetic eye.

The office will work with your insurance and discuss the cost and coverage for your prosthesis.

If you are ready for a prosthesis, the ocularist will use the impression of your eye socket to create a temporary clear stent. This will give you a chance to see how the final piece will feel and fit prior to fabrication.

Are prosthetic eyes just for aesthetics?

Prosthetic eyes provide a multitude of crucial medical benefits:

Prevents the eye socket from contracting.

Stimulates boney orbital growth in younger patients.

Improves facial symmetry.

Protects the eye socket from infection.

In addition to these medical benefits, a prosthetic eye can also have a significant impact on a patient’s emotional and psychological well-being. A prosthetic eye can help patients feel more confident and comfortable in social settings. It can also help them to return to their normal activities and events.

Will I need to make follow-up visits?

Once you have your final prosthetic eye, the ocularist will likely need to see you for follow-up visits to make sure it is fitting properly and that you are happy with it. They may also need to adjust the prosthetic eye as your eye socket changes over time. We recommend seeing your ocularist every 6 months or as needed for a routine polish and cleaning.

What is a prosthetic eye?

Prosthetic eyes, also known as ocular prostheses, are custom-made medical devices designed to cover over or replace an eye that has been lost or damaged. They are meticulously crafted to match the size, color, and shape of the patient’s remaining eye, providing a natural-looking appearance and restoring facial symmetry.

What are the benefits of wearing a prosthetic eye?

Prosthetic eyes offer a multitude of benefits, both physical and psychological, for patients who have lost an eye.

Improved Appearance: Prosthetic eyes restore facial balance and symmetry, enhancing a patient’s overall appearance and confidence.

Protection of the Eye Socket: By filling the space of the missing or damaged eye, prosthetic eyes help to protect the delicate socket from irritation, infection, and external damage.

Enhanced Social Interaction: With a natural-looking prosthetic eye, patients feel more comfortable engaging in social interactions without feeling self-conscious about their appearance.

Psychological Well-being: Prosthetic eyes can significantly improve a patient’s self-esteem and emotional well-being by reducing feelings of self-consciousness and anxiety about their appearance.

What materials are used to make prosthetic eyes?

Our prosthetic eyes are crafted from a high-quality hydrophilic biocompatible material is safe to wear and provide a natural-looking appearance.

The material used to create the prosthetic eye is known as PMMA or Polymethyl Methacrylate. It is an acrylic which is a lightweight, durable, and long-lasting material commonly used for prosthetic eyes.

How are prosthetic eyes made?

Creating a prosthetic eye is a meticulous process that involves advanced craftsmanship and collaboration between skilled ocularists and technicians:

1. Initial Consultation: The patient will undergo an initial consultation with an experienced ocularist to discuss their goals, expectations, and suitability for a prosthetic eye.

2. Impression of the Eye Socket: The ocularist will carefully create a mold of the patient’s eye socket, capturing its precise contours and dimensions. This mold serves as the foundation for the prosthetic eye.

3. Iris Matching: The ocularist will meticulously match the color and pattern of the patient’s iris, using high-resolution photographs and specialized techniques. This ensures that the prosthetic eye blends seamlessly with the remaining eye.

4. Clear Template Fabrication: Using the mold from the eye socket, skilled technicians fabricate a clear template, using the latest techniques to achieve a natural-looking appearance and facial symmetry.

5. Fitting and Adjustments: Once the clear template is comfortable and facial symmetry is achieved, the patient returns for a fitting, where the ocularist carefully positions the iris alignment and makes any adjustments to ensure a comfortable and natural fit.

6. Fabrication of the Prosthetic Eye: Based on the precise measurements and color matching gathered from the initial consultation, eye socket molding, iris matching, and clear template fitting, skilled technicians meticulously handcraft the custom prosthetic eye.

7. Assessment of the Prosthesis: Once the final prosthetic eye is polished, the ocularist will ensure that the prosthesis is comfortable and the artwork reflects a natural looking appearance.

Post-Fitting Care and Follow-ups: The ocularist will provide detailed instructions on proper care and maintenance of the prosthetic eye, including cleaning protocols and regular follow-up appointments to monitor the eye’s health and fit.

What if my prosthetic eye is irritated?

While there are products available for at-home cleaning, the expertise of a board certified ocularist is invaluable. Regular visits to your ocularist, ideally every 6 months or as recommended, are crucial to maintain optimal eye health. Every individual’s needs differ, so receiving a personalized assessment from your ocularist is essential to determine the most suitable cleaning regimen for you.

Caring for an artificial eye is an ongoing process, and as your body changes over time, adjustments may be necessary to ensure continued comfort and effectiveness. Neglecting important ocularist visits in favor of relying solely on at-home kits can lead to complications such as eye irritation, inflammation, and even a contracted socket that may require surgical intervention.

Just as professional dental care complements regular at-home dental hygiene, the same principle applies to the care of your artificial eye. Seeing your ocularist regularly not only ensures a thorough cleaning but also enables early detection of any issues or adjustments needed, promoting long-term eye health and overall well-being. Trust the expertise of a board-certified ocularist to provide comprehensive care and guidance for your artificial eye.

Insurance Questions

Insurance coverage for prosthetic eyes varies depending on individual policies. It’s advisable to check with your insurance company to determine your specific coverage details.

Here are some questions to ask your insurance company:

Does my insurance plan cover prosthetic eyes?

What is the deductible and coinsurance for prosthetic eyes?

Do I need a prior authorization from my doctor to get a prosthetic eye?

Is there a limit to the number of prosthetic eyes that my insurance plan will cover?

Can I swim or shower with my prosthetic eye?

Yes, you can swim and shower with your prosthetic eye. However, there is a risk that the eye may come out if pressure or strain is placed on the eye socket.

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