Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthetic Eyes
We innovate! Part of our long family tradition is competitiveness mixed with curiosity. Most ocularists are using techniques we abandoned in the 1950's. We strive for detail in appearance as well as pursuing the perfect fit to allow the most motion and lid function. Many of our techniques are unique to our office.
Two to three days for most prostheses, but the more complicated the case, the more difficult it is to predict the time needed.
Every insurance company is different. Our office manager can help you on an individual basis. Learn more about insurance and financing an eye implant here.
Most move some, but not perfectly. Each patient has a unique socket and a different outcome. The initial injury, type of implant, scar tissue present in the socket and health of tendons and muscles in the socket and eyelids all play a part in the movement and overall outcome.
We paint all of our prostheses. Photography, even digital photography, does not have very accurate color reproduction and a skilled painter can achieve a level of detail similar to a digital photograph.
We use pure pigments mixed with raw plastic, the same plastic the prosthesis is made out of, so it won’t delaminate.
On average, an artificial eye will last five to six years.
Eye sockets change shape over time making the prosthesis fit poorly. The plastic the prosthesis is made out of also absorbs body fluids and can being degraded by exposure to light.
People get used to many things, especially if they change slowly. Many sockets show signs of long term irritation even though the patient does not feel any pain. Some people have even reported bleeding without any irritation.
A prosthesis should generally be removed monthly for cleaning at home. A professional polish from your ocularist should be arranged twice- yearly. Replace the prosthesis as needed.