Name of the Procedure:

Custom Prosthetic Eye, Plastic (V2623) Common names: Artificial eye, ocular prosthesis

Summary

A custom prosthetic eye is a specially fitted artificial eye made from plastic designed to replace an eye that has been either removed or lost due to injury, disease, or another condition. This prosthetic provides a cosmetic solution, matches the natural eye's appearance closely, and can restore a symmetrical look to the face.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a custom prosthetic eye is to improve the patient's appearance and facial symmetry when an eye has been removed. It also helps maintain the shape of the eye socket and eyelids, which can prevent complications that could arise from an empty socket.

Indications

• Patients who have lost an eye due to trauma, surgery, infection, cancer, or congenital conditions.
• Those experiencing discomfort or cosmetic concerns from an existing ocular deformity.
• Individuals with poorly fitting or unsatisfactory previous prosthetic eyes.

Preparation

• Patients should generally maintain normal eating and drinking routines, as extensive preparation is not typically needed.
• An ophthalmologist or ocularist may perform an evaluation to ensure that the eye socket is healthy and ready to receive the prosthetic.
• Possible imaging or molding of the eye socket to create a perfect fit.

Procedure Description

1. The patient's eye socket is evaluated to assess its size and shape.
2. A mold of the eye socket may be taken to ensure a perfect fit for the prosthetic.
3. The custom prosthetic eye is then crafted, designed to match the patient's natural eye color and details.
4. Once ready, the prosthetic eye is fitted into the socket. Minor adjustments may be made for comfort and appearance.
5. The patient is then educated on how to care for and maintain the prosthetic eye.

Duration

The entire process, from initial evaluation to the final fitting of the prosthetic eye, can take several weeks. Each fitting session or adjustment takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Setting

The procedure is typically done in an outpatient clinic or a specialized ocularist's office.

Personnel

• Ocularist: A specialist in fitting and fabricating custom ocular prostheses.
• Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor specialized in the care of eyes, who may oversee the health of the eye socket and provide initial assessments.

Risks and Complications

• Irritation or discomfort if the prosthetic doesn't fit well.
• Infection if proper hygiene isn't maintained.
• Allergic reactions to the materials used, though this is rare.
• Rarely, changes in the eye socket over time necessitating new fittings.

Benefits

• Improved facial symmetry and cosmetic appearance.
• Enhanced self-esteem and confidence.
• Protection for the eye socket structure and surrounding tissues.
• Benefits are typically noticeable immediately upon fitting.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care includes regular cleaning of the prosthetic and socket.
• Gentle handling of the prosthetic during insertion and removal.
• Follow-up appointments may be necessary to adjust the fit or address any concerns.
• Generally, patients can resume their normal activities almost immediately.

Alternatives

• Using a stock (ready-made) prosthetic eye, which might not match as closely but offers a quicker solution.
• Leaving the eye socket empty, which can cause cosmetic and structural issues over time.
• Surgical options to reshape or repair the eye socket if necessary.

Patient Experience

• During the molding and fitting sessions, patients may feel slight pressure but usually no pain.
• Post-fitting, there may be a brief adjustment period where the prosthetic feels foreign.
• Most patients report improved comfort and confidence soon after the prosthetic is fitted.
• Pain management is typically not necessary for this procedure, but patients should report any persistent discomfort to their doctor.