1. How is a custom made prosthesis made?
A patient is referred to the Ocularist for creating a custom made prosthesis when the surgeon feels that the socket wound has healed completely and is ready for a prosthesis fit. The Ocularist removes the transparent conformer placed postoperatively in the place of the prosthetic shell and an impression wax model of the socket is made using alginate. This model is then fabricated to create the white acrylic prosthesis. The iris is then painted on the acrylic prosthesis in accordance to the color and pattern of the iris of the fellow eye and the entire shell is polished to ensure smooth surface and rounded edges with clear acrylic coating. The entire process takes approximately 6-8 hours and varies from patient to patient.
2. Will the artificial eye look real?
Yes. Every effort is made to ensure that the artificial eye matches the normal eye as much as possible. The artificial shells are individually made to fit the socket optimally and the colors are chosen carefully and hand painted to match the other eye.
3. Will the prosthetic shell move?
Yes. The prosthetic shell will move within the socket depending upon the type of implant and surgery that has been done. But the movement of the artificial shell will not be as full as the normal eye. Patient wearing an artificial shell learns to avoid direct eye movements and rather turn their neck towards the direction of interest. This way the limited movement of the artificial shell gets unnoticed by the onlookers most of the time during a conversation.
4. Will the eyelids blink over the prosthetic shell?
Yes. The eyelids blink normally over the prosthesis provided the surface of the prosthesis is smooth and even and adequately lubricated.
5. Will there be any pain / discomfort after a prosthetic shell fit?
Initially one may experience a mild discomfort or a sense of tightness following prosthesis fit. But eventually over time, one gets accustomed to the new prosthesis.
6. Will the eyelid close completely with the prosthesis in place?
Yes. The eyelids will close completely over the shell provided the socket is adequate and the shell fitted is of optimum size. Inadequacy of the space between the eyelid and the damaged eyeball / implant or a disproportionately large sized prosthesis can lead to incomplete closure of the eyelids over the shell.
7. Will there be a color change in the prosthesis over time?
Yes. There can be a change in the color of the shell due to various reasons such as constant handling, sunlight exposure. This can be addressed by modifying the color as and when required.
8. Will wearing a prosthetic shell in one eye affect the functioning of the normal eye?
No. Wearing a prosthetic shell will not hinder the normal functioning of the other eye.
9. Is it fine to take part in sports activities with a prosthetic shell?
Yes. One can take part in sports activities with adequate protection to both the normal eye and the shell fitted eye in the form of polycarbonate glasses especially while indulging in contact sports. It is important to use protective goggles during water sports and swimming in order to prevent dislodgement of the shell as well as avoid the effects of chlorinated water on the eyes.
10. Will I be able to drive with a prosthetic shell in place?
Yes. One can drive with monocular vision and prosthetic shell in the other eye provided the vision in the normal eye is of sufficient level required for driving as per the norms of the Driving License Authorities. Initially one might face problems with depth perception and field of vision. Over time, one learns to judge distances with one eye. Use of winged glasses to increase the field of vision and use of special glasses with anti reflective coating especially during nighttime to reduce glare and reflection and enhance acuity. It is the duty of the patient to inform the Driving License Authorities and the Insurance Company regarding their one eyed status and one may be asked to undergo an eye test to prove that the visual function of the other eye is adequate for driving. |