Ready Prosthetic Eye (Fabrication Prosthetic Eye)

Ready-Made Prosthetic Eye (Factory-Made Prosthetic Eye)

Ready-made prosthetic eyes are artificial eyes that are pre-manufactured, with standard sizes and color options. The purpose of these prostheses is to help the patient regain facial aesthetics and symmetry after the loss of an eye or when the eye is surgically removed.

Features and Areas of Use

Pre-manufactured Structure: Factory-made ready-made prosthetic eyes are produced in standard sizes, and since they are not custom-made, there is no need to match them with individual measurements and colors for each patient. Patients who prefer this type of prosthesis should be aware of this beforehand.

Cost and Affordability: Compared to custom-made prosthetics, ready-made prosthetic eyes are generally a more economical option.

Temporary or Permanent Solution: Depending on the urgency of the patient’s condition or the difficulty of creating a custom prosthetic eye, factory-made prosthetic eyes can be used as a temporary or permanent solution.

Material: Ready-made prosthetic eyes are generally made from materials like acrylic, and coloring is applied to mimic the natural appearance of the eye.

Ready-Made Prosthetic Eye or Custom Prosthetic Eye?

There are many types of prosthetic eyes. Factors such as the patient’s age, health, eye condition, and cost contribute to determining which prosthetic eye will be most suitable for them.

Custom prosthetic eyes, especially in terms of aesthetics and comfort, provide better results. However, considering cost and time constraints, ready-made prosthetic eyes can also be preferred for emergency or temporary solutions.

So, what differences arise between the most commonly preferred prosthetic eye options, such as ready-made prosthetic eyes and custom prosthetic eyes? What are the pros and cons? Who should choose which prosthetic eye?

Ready-Made Prosthetic Eye (Factory-Made Prosthetic Eye)

• Fast and Economic: Since it is made in standard sizes compared to custom production, it is generally more affordable and delivered more quickly.
• Limited Compatibility: Since it is produced in standard sizes, it may not fully match the natural eye color and shape of the person, which may not satisfy the patient aesthetically.
• Temporary Solution: It can be a preferred option in urgent cases or when a custom prosthetic eye cannot be made, but it may not be ideal for long-term use.

Custom Prosthetic Eye (Movable Prosthetic Eye)

• Fit and Aesthetics: Designed specifically according to the patient’s iris color, eye socket, and facial structure, it provides a much more natural and symmetrical appearance.
• Comfort: Since it is produced based on the exact measurements taken from the patient, it fits more comfortably and causes less discomfort in long-term use.
• Cost and Time: Since the production process is customized, it may be more expensive and take longer to prepare compared to others.

When Are Prosthetic Eyes Applied?

• If there has been damage or infection in the eyes, resulting in vision loss or shrinkage,
• If vision loss has occurred after a trauma and the integrity of the eye is compromised,
• If blindness has developed due to uncontrolled glaucoma and there has been an enlargement of the eye,
• If vision loss occurs for various reasons and in the absence of the eye,
• In the case of Retinoblastoma (eye tumor).

These are some of the reasons why prosthetic eyes may be preferred. If you or a loved one needs to use a prosthetic eye due to any of these reasons, you can visit our Renk Prosthetic Eye Center for a consultation and learn about the custom treatment options and the most suitable affordable prosthetic eye choices offered by our expert team.

What Is Prosthetic Eye Surgery and How Is It Performed?

Prosthetic eye surgery requires an initial examination and evaluation by oculoplasty specialists. If the patient is deemed suitable, surgical techniques are used to position the eye muscles, and an implant is placed into the eye socket. After the implant is placed, surgical stitches are applied, ensuring the eye remains in the correct position. If damage has occurred around the eye after surgery, the tissues can also be corrected if the doctor deems it necessary.

What Are Prosthetic Eyes Made Of? How Durable Are They?

Prosthetic eyes can vary in durability depending on their type and the material used. Additionally, how the patient uses the prosthetic eye and how often it is maintained directly affect its durability. Let’s examine the material used and the durability of the prosthetic eye.

Material Used

Prosthetic eyes are generally made from acrylic (PMMA – Polymethyl Methacrylate), although some older models were made from glass. However, in modern times, acrylic prosthetic eyes are more commonly used.

Acrylic Prosthetic Eyes

• This is the most commonly used material today.
• It is lightweight, durable, and made of a biocompatible (non-toxic) material.
• It can be easily shaped and is suitable for the production of custom prosthetic eyes.
• It is more durable against impacts and scratches compared to glass prosthetic eyes.

Glass Prosthetic Eyes

• A less commonly used prosthetic eye type.
• It was more commonly preferred in the past but is rarely used today.
• Being made of glass, it provides a more natural shine, closer to the appearance of a real eye.
• It is more fragile and, therefore, more susceptible to breakage from falls or impacts.

Durability and Lifespan

Acrylic prosthetic eyes can last between 5 to 7 years with proper care and regular checkups. However, in some cases, they can last 10 years or longer.
Prosthetic eyes can show wear or color changes over time depending on usage.
Glass prosthetic eyes are more fragile and have a higher risk of breaking, so they tend to have a shorter lifespan.

How Durable Are Prosthetic Eyes?

Prosthetic eyes offer long-term use when properly maintained. They need to be cleaned daily and regularly polished. The patient’s usage habits are another factor that directly affects the lifespan of the prosthesis. Incorrect use (e.g., dropping it, contact with hard objects) can shorten its lifespan. Changes in the body’s anatomy also affect the lifespan of prosthetic eyes. For example, over time, changes in the eye socket structure may occur, necessitating the replacement of the prosthesis. With prolonged use, micro scratches may appear on the surface of the prosthesis. These scratches can lead to bacterial buildup, so polishing should be done periodically.

How Should a Prosthetic Eye Be Removed and Inserted?

Removal with Hand Assistance

• First, make sure your hands are clean.
• Then, pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger, look upwards, and gently slide your finger toward your ear. The prosthetic will come up to your lower eyelid.
• With your other hand, gently hold the prosthetic and remove it from the eye socket.

Insertion with Hand Assistance

• Lift your upper eyelid upwards with your index finger.
• With your other hand, place the top part of your prosthetic inside your eyelid.
• Release your upper eyelid and gently pull down the lower eyelid with the same hand. With your other hand, place the prosthetic into your eye socket.

Removal with Suction Cup Assistance

• With one hand, gently place the suction cup’s mouth onto the prosthetic and press and release the air-filled convex part. The suction cup will adhere to the prosthetic.
• With your other hand, pull down your lower eyelid.
• Once the lower part of the prosthetic is out, remove the entire prosthetic from your eye socket.

Insertion with Suction Cup Assistance

• Place the mouth of the suction cup on your prosthetic eye and gently press and release the air-filled convex part. The suction cup will adhere to the prosthetic.
• Lift your upper eyelid with your index finger, and with your other hand, place the top part of the prosthetic into your eyelid using the suction cup.
• After releasing your upper eyelid, gently pull down your lower eyelid with the same hand.
• Once the prosthetic, held by the suction cup, is in place in your eye socket, release your lower eyelid and squeeze the suction cup again to release the prosthetic.

How to Clean a Prosthetic Eye?

Prosthetic eyes accumulate proteins on their surface over time. Therefore, it is very important to wash off the accumulated proteins once a month. Unclean prosthetics can cause damage to the eyelids and eye socket over time. It is recommended not to exceed a month without cleaning the prosthetic.

Cleaning the prosthetic eye can be done in the following steps:

• Wash and disinfect your hands with soap and warm water.
• If there are proteins accumulated on your prosthetic, gently rub them off with warm water and baby shampoo. Only use water and baby shampoo during the cleaning process.
• Finally, dry the prosthetic with a soft, dry towel without pressing it.
• Alternatively, you can clean the accumulated protein with a towel dampened with warm water. For Colored Prosthetic Eyes, we recommend taking your prosthetic to the place where you bought it every 6 months for polishing and renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthetic Eyes

How is a Prosthetic Eye Surgery Performed?

The prosthetic eye surgery process can be considered in two stages: the surgery stage and the prosthetic manufacturing stage.

Surgery Stage

For the prosthetic eye to sit properly and move in harmony with the eye and eyelids, the eye socket must be ready for the prosthetic. Most patients requiring a prosthetic have either very small eyes, anatomical deformities, or very large eyes.

During this stage, the internal eye tissues are removed surgically, and a spherical substance, called a “spherule,” is placed inside the eye. Surgeries are usually performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the surgery depends on the patient’s condition, but it generally lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. After the surgery, patients can typically be discharged the same day without needing to stay in the hospital.

Prosthetic Manufacturing Stage

Patients who have successfully gone through the first stage can move on to the prosthetic manufacturing stage about 2 months after the surgery.

How Long Does Recovery After Surgery Take? When is the Prosthetic Made?

After the surgery, there may be some swelling and redness in the eyes, which is normal. Swelling and redness usually subside after about a week to ten days. Most patients are discharged on the same day after surgery, but in some cases, an additional day in the hospital may be required.

Dissolvable stitches are commonly used in the surgery. These stitches dissolve and fall off naturally after about one to one and a half months. Generally, two months after the surgery, the eye socket heals and becomes suitable for the prosthetic. After this stage, the prosthetic manufacturing process can begin.

Can a Movable Prosthetic Eye Be Made?

This is one of the most common and important questions asked by our patients. It should be noted that a prosthetic eye never moves like a natural eye. However, with certain surgical techniques and provided that the patient’s eye is suitable for this condition, a prosthetic eye can be given some movement.

Can I Use a Ready-Made Prosthetic Eye?

Certainly, a ready-made prosthetic eye, also known as a pre-fabricated prosthetic eye, can be used. However, we would not recommend a ready-made prosthetic eye as your first choice. The reason is that the fit and balance between the prosthetic and the eye socket are crucial. If there is an imbalance, over time, the underlying eye, eyelids, and the cavity inside the eyelid (known as the fornix) may be damaged. Eventually, the prosthetic may become unusable.