Frequently Asked Questions

The procedure typically requires three appointments through the course of a week. If the eye socket is a very difficult one to fit, it could take an additional one or two days. While most other eye fitters take less time, we have found that far superior results are obtained by employing the Modified Impression Method.

Past patients from many different states, and from foreign countries, will attest to the fact that, for almost every person, fine prosthetic work is indeed a priceless blessing! Our fees are standard and reasonable for the quality, craftsmanship, and amount of time invested in the designing of this caliber of prosthesis.

Absolutely! An added benefit of fitting by this very specific and exacting method makes it possible for surgeons to place special implants in the orbit at the time of eye removal. If such sophisticated implants are fitted by older, traditional methods, there can be danger of pressure necrosis and eventual loss of the implant; whereas, when such implants are fitted by the Modified Impression Method, the likelihood of comfortable retention is nearly one hundred percent.

It is very common for a patient with an unsightly blind eye or phthisical globe to desire a comfortable “scleral shell.” With our exacting methods, this can comfortably and effectively be done providing the cornea is not overly sensitive.

Discover the process we use to create ocular prostheses that are comfortable, beautiful and appear to be living tissue.

We are frequently asked to indicate to a doctor or patient something about our acrylic eye fitting methods. We are more than happy to do so. There are several successive steps which we shall briefly describe here.
Adequate healing is required before fitting the acrylic eye. Schedule; permitting, We will fit the prosthesis six to eight weeks after surgery. Upon arrival at our office, the patient will complete a medical history form; which is the beginning of a record similar to any kept by a medical office.

1 – An impression of the shape of the space of the eye socket is taken with alginate, which gels in about 2 minutes to the consistency of the white of a hard boiled egg. Any discomfort to the patient is minimal. After removal from the eye socket, a two-piece mold is made using dental stone, a material very much like plaster of paris, around the impression.
Taking an impression affords us the opportunity to design an eye which provides total comfort in most cases and much improved motility. No more removing the eye several times a day, or even once a day. No more mopping up spilled mucous from the socket! No more red, painful tissue.

2 – After the dental stone has hardened, the impression material is removed. Molten wax is then poured into the mold and allowed to cool and harden. Upon removal from the mold, this wax piece constitutes a pattern (for the artificial eye) which can easily be changed in shape to improve the appearance and comfort to the wearer.
An acrylic iris-cornea, which approximates the patient’s own iris, is chosen and designed into the wax pattern. It can be removed and placed in a different position in the pattern in order to provide the proper direction of gaze, vertical and horizontal positions, the desired prominence to the artificial eye, and to provide the proper eyelid opening. This part of the fitting procedure can take as much as several hours, during which time the patient must remain available at ten to twenty minute intervals for trial fitting.

3 – When all the improvements have been made in the wax pattern, a new, final mold of that pattern is made, using dental stone, in a brass flask. The wax is then removed; however, the iris cornea is placed back into the mold in precisely the same position it had occupied in the wax pattern. A dough of white acrylic is then packed in the mold and processed under heat and pressure until properly cured.

4 – As soon as the eye is processed, an amount of the acrylic is removed from the front surface in preparation for the coloring. Veins (fine fibers of red embroidery thread) are then painstakingly placed over the surface of the prosthesis in such a manner as to duplicate the veining pattern of the companion eye.
The actual coloring of the eye is done with the greatest care to match the companion eye and to present an appearance of living tissue. This is done by a method devised in October 1976 and used exclusively by those few discriminating ocularists who employ the Modified Impression Method of making artificial eyes. The patient must be present for this part of the work for perhaps two or more hours. At intervals, the prosthesis being painted is placed within the patient’s eye socket, then removed and the coloring altered. This step is repeated using a special clear painting lens until the coloring is fully satisfactory.

5 – When the color is judged to be correct, the eye is returned to the final mold and a layer of transparent acrylic is cured on its front surface to protect the color during polishing and wearing. The finished, highly polished prosthesis is then placed in the eye socket and evaluated in all aspects. If it is not correct in every way, changes are made until it meets our quality standards.

Sometimes. A refit may be necessary from time to time due to changes in volume and arrangement of orbital and socket tissues. A refit implies considerable reworking of the eye so that it fits properly once again. Therefore, we will refit only those eyes which we have previously designed and fabricated, as long as the eye is not over seven years old.

As one wears the eye over a period of time minute scratches appear on the surface of the eye (caused by continual lid action against the eye and by handling). These scratches cause the eye to begin to appear dull and can also cause some mattering problems. Therefore, we recommend that the prosthesis be polished in our office at least at six month intervals to assure proper comfort and cosmesis. We also recommend that the patient see his ophthalmologist at least once a year or as often as the doctor directs.

Over time, small scratches caused by lid movement over the surface, handling, and the environment, can develop on the surface of your prosthetic eye. These may lead to a dull appearance and some discomfort.

We recommend having your prosthesis professionally polished in our office every six months for optimal comfort and appearance. An annual or more frequent visit to your ophthalmologist as they direct is also essential.

Sometimes, changes in the volume and structure of the orbital and socket tissues may require a refit. This may involve significant alterations to the prosthetic eye. We provide refit services for prosthetic eyes we have designed and created, provided they are not older than seven years.

At Eye Concern, we use a successful process that enables us to create comfortable, visually appealing prosthetic eyes that look like real living tissue. Our method involves several steps, and we’d be glad to guide you through them.

Before we start, we need to make sure your eye has healed properly and completely from surgery. Once that’s achieved, usually six to eight weeks post-surgery, we can begin the fitting process. On your first visit, you will complete a medical history form, which will help us understand your specific needs better.

Step 1: Making an Impression
We start by taking an impression of your eye socket with a material called alginate. This substance turns into a gel-like consistency in about two minutes, causing minimal discomfort. We then use the impression to make a two-piece mold with a plaster-like substance. This process allows us to design a prosthetic eye tailored for comfort and movement, eliminating the need for frequent removal or discomfort from mucus build-up.

Step 2: Creating the Wax Pattern
Once the molding has hardened, we remove the impression and pour molten wax into the hardened mold. This wax forms the basis for your prosthetic eye fitting, which can be reshaped as needed for the best look and fit. This process may take several hours, during which we will perform trial fittings to ensure the best possible outcome.

Step 3: Final Mold and Curing
When the desired fit has been achieved using the wax mold, we make a final mold in a metal flask, then remove the wax. We then fill the mold with a white acrylic dough and process it under heat and pressure until it is fully cured.

Step 4: Coloring and Veining
We remove acrylic from the front of the newly processed eye to prepare for coloring. We carefully place fine fibers of red embroidery thread, representing veins, on the prosthesis surface, matching the veining of your natural eye. We then hand color the prosthetic eye, with you present, adjusting the color until it matches your natural eye as closely as possible.

Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the color is judged to be correct, we place the prosthetic eye back in the final mold. We process a layer of transparent acrylic all the way around the prosthesis to protect the color during future polishing and wearing. We then place the finished, highly polished prosthesis in your eye socket and ensure it meets our strict quality standards in all aspects. If any adjustments are needed, we will make them until you and we are satisfied with the result.

For patients with an unsightly blind eye or phthisical globe, we can comfortably provide a “scleral shell” using our same precise methods. As long as the cornea isn’t overly sensitive, this is a common solution.

Yes, we can! Our specific and meticulous method allows us to safely fit a prosthesis over any kind of implant without the risk of pressure necrosis or loss of the implant. With the Modified Impression Method, comfort and retention of the implant are nearly a given.

Typically, it takes three appointments spread over a week to fabricate the prosthesis. If the eye socket is challenging to fit, it might take an additional day or two. While other providers might take less time, our Modified Impression Method produces superior results.

Our patients from numerous states and countries agree that the quality prosthetic work we provide is invaluable. While our fees are standard, they reflect the quality, craftsmanship, and time invested in designing a prosthesis of this caliber.

The cost of a prosthetic eye can vary widely. It depends on a range of factors, including the specific materials used and the complexity of the fitting process. When you come to our office for an evaluation, we will then be able to quote you a specific amount.

No, a prosthetic eye does not restore vision. It is a clinical solution designed to restore a natural appearance after the loss of an eye, and to protect and provide socket health.

Yes, most people can sleep with a prosthetic eye in place with the help of a lubricant.

A prosthetic eye is typically inserted by gently holing the upper and lower eyelids apart, then carefully sliding it into the socket. Please view the Inserting the Prosthesis section for precise instructions.

Many health insurance plans do cover a portion of the cost of a prosthetic eye. But the amount can vary depending on the specific insurance plan and coverage. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider for precise details.

Yes, many people with a prosthetic eye are able to drive. But you should discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Recovery times can vary. But most people heal from the surgery and are ready for the fitting of a prosthetic eye within six to eight weeks.

With proper care and handling, a prosthetic eye can last for several years. However, it may need to be replaced or refitted over time due to natural changes in the eye socket.

The recovery period from the surgery needed to prepare for a prosthetic eye is usually six to eight weeks. Once the prosthetic eye is fitted, some minor irritation or discomfort may occur initially. But this usually goes away after a few days.

Yes, it is typically safe to shower with a prosthetic eye in place.

This depends on personal preference and medical advice. While an eye patch can be a temporary solution, a prosthetic eye can provide a more permanent solution and natural appearance.

Some people may experience minor discomfort, discharge, or eyelid sagging. In rare cases, infection may occur. Regular check-ups with an ocularist can help manage these side effects.

A well-fitted and skillfully painted prosthetic eye can look very realistic. Our Ocularists work to match the color, size, and shape of the remaining natural eye as closely as possible.

The terms “prosthetic eye” and “artificial eye” are often used interchangeably. Both refer to a device created to replace an absent natural eye.

Typically, a prosthetic eye should be cleaned every 6 months. Your ocularist will provide specific instructions based on your individual circumstances.

Yes, you can leave your prosthetic eye out for short periods, such as when cleaning it. But extended periods without the prosthesis in place can lead to changes in the size and shape of the eye socket.

If your prosthetic eye is falling out, it could mean that it does not fit properly or your eye socket has changed shape. It’s best to consult with your ocularist to investigate the issue. Your ocularist may find it necessary to refer you back to your surgeon.

After an eye is removed, the eye socket is typically filled with an orbital implant, which is covered by conjunctiva (the eye’s outermost layer). This helps maintain the volume of the eye socket and supports the prosthetic eye.