What is a prosthetic eye?

This is a cosmetic product which is used to get an aesthetical look for the persons who has had a evisceration/enucleation surgery due to illness or accident as well as those who do not have an eye inherently. Prosthetic eye has no visual function. 

How often should the prosthesis be removed and cleaned?

We recommend that it be removed and cleaned once a month. 

Why do we need to clean the prosthesis?

In the course of time, prosthesis surface picks up protein. This accumulation of protein needs to be washed away once a month. The prostheses left uncleaned can damage the eyelids and the eye socket over time.

How can I clean the prosthesis?

It is advised that the frequency for clean-up should not exceed one month. 

While cleaning your prosthesis;  

• Wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water.

• Clean your prosthesis with lukewarm water and baby shampoo by gently scrubbing with your fingers and removing the accumulated protein, if any.
• Use only water and baby shampoo during cleaning.

Dry your prosthesis with a dry and soft towel, without applying any pressure against it. 

How often should the prosthesis be polished?

It is advised that your prosthesis be polished every 6 months. 

Why it is necessary to polish the prosthesis

Polishing the prosthesis provides a comfortable use and a more natural look. While polishing the prosthesis, the plaques on the surface, which cause bacteria formation, such as protein and dried eye crusts, are removed. 

How would I know if my prosthesis needs polishing?

Some symptoms indicating that your prosthesis needs polishing.

• Itching and rash on your eyelid.

• Increased eye crusting and feeling of discomfort.

• Loss of shine on your prosthesis.

How many types of prostheses are there?

Prostheses can be divided into two main groups.

• Custom-made prostheses
• Ready-made prostheses.
   

What are the features of a personalised prosthesis?

Personalized prostheses are manufactured by taking measurements from the patient's eye socket. The iris (coloured part) of customized prostheses is painted meticulously in a way to match the colour of the good eye. Because the white part of each human eye has a different color, the white parts of the prosthesis are also painted in full conformity with the good eye and then the prosthesis is vascularized according to the density of the veins in the good eye, in order to achieve a complete colour matching. The preparation of the prosthesis by taking the measurement properly minimizes the eye crusting that may occur in the patient's eye. In addition, all movements in the muscles inside the eye socket are reflected in our prosthesis depending on the measurement and the defects on the eyelid are eliminated. Patients do not have to remove the prosthesis every day. The patient will not have a cross eye because we work directly with the patient for the line of sight. If a patient, who has previously used glass prosthetic eye, has no problem with the eyelids, then he/she will not have to undergo a surgical operation to use our custom-made prosthesis.

What is a ready-made prosthesis?

These are one-size-fits-all prostheses manufactured using ready moulds, without measuring the size of the eye socket of the patient. Ready-made prostheses can be glass, porcelain and acrylic. The rear of the prosthesis is emptied so that it can fit every each patient. Such prostheses do not fit into the patient's eye socket completely. There is an air gap the ready-made prosthesis and the patient's eye socket. Due to this condition, ready-made prostheses do not move smoothly inside the patient's eyecup. This causes the accumulation of dust, tear and crusts in the air gap behind the prostheses, which causes excessive eye crusting in the patient’s eye during the day 

How long does it take to manufacture a custom-made prosthesis?

Custom made prosthesis take about 4 sessions to complete. The measuring the eye socket, working on the line of sight, colouring the prosthesis are performed in separate sessions. The patient should visit our center for these sessions.  

1^st session takes about 2 hours, during which measurements are taken on the patient and line of sight is worked out.

In the 2^nd session, the prosthesis is tried on. It takes approximately 1 hour.

In the 3^rd session, the iris and sclera of the prosthesis are prepared by checking with the patient's eye. And the prosthesis is vascularised. It takes about 4 hours.

In the 4^th session, the custom-made prosthetic eye is inserted into the eye socket of the patient. It takes about 1 hour.

Should the prosthesis be removed before night sleep?

The patient is not required to remove the customs made prosthesis before bed time as it will not cause the patient any discomfort. 

How long after a surgery can I have a prosthetic eye?

Depending on the advice of your doctor, you can have a prosthetic eye in between 4 and 6 weeks. The use of prosthetic eye is important not only for aesthetic reasons also for the health. The patients who do not use a prosthesis for a long time after the surgery, can develop some problems, such as closure/contraction of the eye socket and lazy eyelids.  

Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the preparation and use of the prosthetic eye?

Patients do not feel pain either during the preparation or the use of the prosthesis. In addition, it will be quite easy to get accustomed to the prosthetic eye.