When it comes to children who need a prosthetic eye, many parents and caregivers face questions and uncertainties. One of the most crucial decisions is determining the best time for their child to receive a prosthetic eye.
This decision is about ensuring the best possible development for your child. We’ll explore why early intervention is the key and how ongoing adjustments play a critical role as your child grows.
The Best Time for Prosthetic Eye Fitting in Children
For children born with conditions like anophthalmia (absence of one or both eyes) or microphthalmia (small eyes), getting a prosthetic eye as soon as possible is typically advised.
In many cases, this means fitting can occur in infancy or early childhood. The primary reason for this early fitting is to encourage even facial growth.
When a prosthetic eye is fitted early, it stimulates the growth of the surrounding bone and tissues to make them symmetrical.
This early intervention is crucial. It allows children the opportunity to develop both physically and emotionally. It then helps them to lead as normal a life as possible.
Prosthetic Eye Adjustments as Children Grow
As children grow, their facial structures change and develop. This means the prosthetic eye will need to be adjusted or replaced to accommodate these changes.
Regular check-ups are important to ensure the prosthetic eye continues to fit properly and comfortably. These adjustments play a vital role in the overall comfort and well-being of the child.
A well-fitting prosthetic eye helps maintain the health of the surrounding eye socket and tissues. It makes sure the child can continue to engage in typical activities without discomfort or complications.
Scleral Shells for Children
Like prosthetic eyes, scleral shells are carefully crafted to match the appearance of the natural eye. Early intervention is also typically recommended for scleral shells, as they provide a more natural look, protect the eye from environmental damage, and boost the child’s self-confidence as they grow. These are some of the main conditions that scleral shells are used to help with.
Microphthalmia
Scleral shells are an option for children with microphthalmic conditions. These shells are designed to cover and protect the smaller eye. They play a crucial role in ensuring that the face grows more symmetrically, which is vital for the child’s physical development.
Scleral shells are not an option for anophthalmic conditions as they do require at least a portion of the eye be available for fitting.
Phthisis Bulbi
Phthisis Bulbi results from a shrunken or non-functional eye due to severe eye disease or injury. Scleral shells cover the damaged eye, protecting it from further injury and improving facial aesthetics.
This allows individuals to regain confidence in their appearance by providing a healthy-looking eye.
Post-Surgical Enucleation/Evisceration
After surgical removal of an eye (enucleation) or the contents of an eye (evisceration), a scleral shell can be custom-made to fit over an orbital implant. The shell leads to a balanced and symmetrical appearance.
Scleral shells ensure the prosthetic eye moves naturally with the remaining healthy eye.
Painful Blind Eye
In cases where an eye is blind and causes discomfort or pain, a scleral shell can serve as a protective layer over the eye, reducing pain and sensitivity to light. It also offers a cosmetic solution, providing the appearance of a healthy eye.
Severe Ocular Trauma
Victims of severe ocular trauma resulting in disfigured or non-functional eyes can benefit from scleral shells. These shells restore a normal appearance to the traumatized eye area. They help individuals socialize more confidently and reduce the psychological impact of their injury.
The Process of Getting a Prosthetic Eye or Scleral Shell
The journey to getting a prosthetic eye or scleral shell starts with a detailed consultation with an ocularist, a specialist in creating and fitting these devices.
The ocularist takes precise measurements to ensure the prosthetic or shell fits comfortably and looks natural. The process involves selecting the right size, shape, and color to match the child’s companion eye.
Once fitted, the ocularist guides you on how to care for and maintain the prosthetic or shell, ensuring its longevity and comfort.
Empowering Your Child for a Normal Life
At Eye Concern, our experienced professionals understand the unique challenges faced by children requiring prosthetics. We offer a gentle, patient-centered experience. Our goal is to make sure both the child and their family feel supported throughout the process.
We believe in providing care that not only addresses the physical needs of your child but also supports their emotional well-being. Ensuring your child gets a prosthetic eye or scleral shell at the right time can significantly impact their development and quality of life.
If you’re considering a prosthetic eye or scleral shell for your child, please reach out to us today.
