Nearly one-fourth of the world population suffers from visual disorders. As a result, the research scientists are coming up with new treatment methods every now and then. One of their innovations is a prosthetic eye which is also known as an ocular prosthesis or an artificial eye prosthesis.
A prosthetic eye helps in improving the physical appearance of a person who has lost his/her eye as a result of some medical condition or trauma. It looks like a shell that covers the hollow eye socket. If you are looking for a place to get a prosthetic eye treatment, reach out to Ortil Healthcare for the best eye surgery hospitals for your treatment.
Types of Artificial Eye Prosthesis Treatment India
Prosthetic Eye Types
Given below is the classification of artificial eye prosthesis. Based on material used to make ocular implants:
01. Hydroxyapatite implants
02. Polymethyl methacrylate implants
03. Bioceramic implants
Prosthetic Eye Surgery
Before the surgery, the surgeons conduct a detailed evaluation to ensure that you are fit for the surgery. Your doctor will also give you certain instructions to follow for some days before the surgery. The most common type of surgery is enucleation. However, it is the surgeon who decides which type of surgery is to be done depending upon the extent of damage to the eye and the condition of the eye.
The eye removal surgery is done under local anesthesia. Along with the local anesthesia, sedation medicines may be administered to prevent you from getting anxious during the surgery. After the eye removal, a porous eye implant of synthetic material along with a temporary shell is placed behind the eyelid to prevent the socket from collapsing during the first few weeks after the surgery.
The surgery is followed by the healing period which may take a few months. You may be prescribed oral antibiotics and antibiotic eye drops. After the healing is done, you will visit your doctor to get the prosthetic eye fitting done. A foam-like material is used to make an impression of the eye socket. The prosthetic eye is made along with which a new iris and blood vessels are created such that they match the normal eye.
01. Porous polyethylene implants
02. Conical orbital implant
03. Pegged implants
Based on the method used to make Eye Implants:
01. Custom-made Prosthesis - Also known as moulded prosthesis, this is the most commonly preferred type of prosthesis. These are customized according to the patients individual needs by taking an impression of the eye socket. The custom-made prosthesis is able to match the natural appearance, fit, and eye movement to a significant extent.
02. Cosmetic Shell - This is made in a shell-like structure that can be used over the existing eye as well.
Based on the type of Prosthetic Eye Surgery:
01. Evisceration - In this type of surgery, the eye tissue is removed leaving behind the outer eye surface and the orbit. This is done by making an incision in the front part of the eye.
02. Enucleation - In this type of surgery, the entire is removed and a hollow socket is left behind.
Diagnosis of Artificial Eye Prosthesis Treatment India
Why is a Prosthetic Eye Used?
A prosthetic eye is most commonly recommended when a persons eye is removed surgically due to the presence of an underlying tumour, other medical conditions damaging the eye or after a trauma. In such cases, the artificial eye prosthesis not only helps in improving the facial features but also prevents tissue growth in the socket.
Symptoms and Risk factors
What does a Prosthetic Eye consist of?
A prosthetic eye includes the following components:
01. An outer shell made of white plastic acrylic to mimic the white part of the eye
02. A round part at the centre that looks like the iris and the pupil of the eye
03. An ocular implant, which is round and embedded into the eye socket and covered with the prosthetic eye.
What does a Prosthetic Eye consist of?
The eye implant will be connected to the eye muscles to facilitate natural movement. However, it may not completely match the movements of your natural eye. It cannot move as briskly as the normal eye. Also, the pupil in the prosthetic eye will not change its shape in the light, making it look different from the other eye.
It is important to note that the eye socket may continue to change its shape after surgery. Therefore, you may require additional adjustments for the next few weeks or months after the prosthetic eye placement.
Important points to consider during prosthetic eye care are:
01. The acrylic part of the prosthetic eye must be removed every month and washed with soap and water.
02. Before inserting back into the socket, it should be dried properly.
03. You can sleep with the prosthesis unless advised otherwise.
04. You should not take out the prosthetic eye frequently.
05. It is important to use the lubricating eye drops over the prosthetic eye as prescribed by the doctor.
06. Get annual polishing done by your ocularist.
07. It is advised to change your prosthesis every five years.
Removing and inserting your Prosthetic Eye
It is highly essential to clean your hands before handling them with a prosthesis. Also, examine the surrounding area to ensure that the prosthesis does not get damaged if dropped down accidentally. Remove them only when required for cleaning to avoid irritation and drainage. You can either use your index finger or the suction cup to remove the prosthetic eye and insert it back.
To clean the prosthesis, you should scrub it gently with your fingertips and rinse it with warm water. Dry it with a soft tissue by patting it on the surface. You may also use a mild soap or shampoo to clean it. Avoid using alcohol or any other cleaning solvents.
Physical recovery of the surgery can happen in a few months. The surgery is not an invasive procedure. However, the process may affect a person’s mental health after losing an eye. It is quite challenging for the patient at an emotional and psychological level. Hence it is important for his/her friends or family to provide adequate emotional support. One may take the help of the counselling groups if required.
