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Handmade glass & acrylic bespoke prosthetic eyes made in the UK.
Understanding Ocular Prosthetics: Custom-Made Prosthetic Eyes for Patients
Ocular prosthetic also known as the artificial eye or eye prosthetic
Ocular prosthetics, also known as artificial eye or eye prosthetics, is the field of medicine that deals with the creation and fitting of custom prosthetic eyes or ocular prostheses. Ocular prosthetics are designed to replace an eye that has been damaged or lost due to injury, disease, or other conditions.
Ocular prosthetics are typically made of a medical-grade acrylic material or glass that is moulded and shaped to fit the patient's eye socket. The prosthesis is custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of the patient's remaining eye to create a natural-looking appearance.
An ocularist is a medical professional who specializes in the fabrication, fitting, and maintenance of ocular prosthetics. Ocularists work closely with patients to ensure that the prosthesis is comfortable and fits properly, and they also provide guidance on how to care for and maintain the prosthesis over time.
PMMA or acrylic eye prosthetic
PMMA prosthesis refers to a type of ocular or eye prosthesis that is made of a material called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). PMMA is a strong and durable medical-grade plastic that is commonly used in a variety of medical applications, including orthopaedic implants, dental fillings, and contact lenses.
PMMA prostheses are custom-made to fit the patient's eye socket and are designed to closely match the appearance of the patient's remaining eye. PMMA is a biocompatible material that is well-tolerated by the body, making it a safe and effective choice for ocular prosthetics.
PMMA prostheses can be painted and polished to achieve a natural-looking appearance, and they are also easy to clean and maintain. They are a popular choice for patients who have lost an eye due to injury, disease, or other conditions, and who are seeking a comfortable and realistic-looking prosthetic eye.
Cryolite Glass Eye Prosthesis
Cryolite glass prostheses are an excellent option for patients seeking a natural-looking replacement for a damaged or missing eye. These prostheses are made from a specialized glass material that closely imitates the look of a real eye, and they can be individually adapted to match the colour and shape of a patient's remaining eye.
Compared to plastic prostheses, cryolite glass prostheses create a reflection that is very similar to that of a natural eye, and they are a good indicator of quality if both eyes appear similar when viewed from a distance of one meter. These prostheses can be made in a single day while the patient is present, and they are custom-fit to the individual's eye cavity.
The shape of a cryolite glass ocular prosthesis resembles half of a walnut shell and includes a reproduction of the iris and pupil of the eye, as well as the pattern of blood vessels on the white area of the eye (sclera).
There are two types of cryolite glass prostheses: single-wall and double-wall. Our prosthetics specialist will determine which type is necessary based on the specific traits and characteristics of the patient.
Single-wall glass prostheses are typically used when the patient has a remaining eye membrane or atrophic eyeball, or when the entire eyeball has been maintained and has gross opacity. In these cases, the prosthesis masks the opacity and is placed like a lens on the maintained eyeball. Single-wall eye prostheses are also used when an implant is set in the patient’s eye cavity to prevent facial defects and ensure synchronous movements of the prosthesis and the healthy eye.
Double-wall glass prostheses, on the other hand, are comparatively thin and include a closed vacuum area. They are typically used after an eyeball removal surgery (enucleation).
While cryolite glass prostheses are a long-lasting option, they must be replaced every two years to ensure optimal fit and comfort. If you're considering an ocular prosthesis, talk to a prosthetics specialist about whether cryolite glass is a good choice for you.
