Prosthetic Eye, Artificial Eye & Blind Painful Eye

Glass was previously used to make “glass eyes.” Prosthetic eyes are now often composed of durable, plastic acrylic. The prosthetic eye is in the shape of a shell. The prosthetic eye is worn on top of an ocular implant. The ocular implant is a hard, circular object that is permanently implanted into the eye socket. Before insertion, an ocular implant is usually wrapped with live tissue or synthetic cushioning for comfort.

The aesthetics of a compromised eye socket can be greatly improved with a prosthetic eye. Moreover, It is far preferable than wearing an eye patch or bandage for the great majority of patients.

An ocular implant and prosthesis prevent the tissues in the eye socket from developing to fill the empty area if the entire eye is removed. Vision cannot be restored with a prosthetic eye.

After eye removal surgery, you will have a follow-up appointment to ensure that the area has healed fully – this is approximately 3-6 weeks after surgery. If there is no residual discomfort or swelling, you will have a bespoke prosthetic eye prepared. Your new artificial eye will be custom-made to match your other eye as closely as possible.

The artificial eye is made by creating a mould of the eye socket. This is a comfortable procedure and will help to ensure that your new orbital implant will fit well. You’ll then return at a later date to have the prosthesis fitted.

As long as you have vision in your other eye and can meet the legal vision requirements, you can drive with an artificial eye. It is true that following surgery, vision will be reduced, which will result in more frequent head turning while driving. Patients who are blind can drive a normal vehicle as long as their vision is good enough.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the insurance company are legally required to be informed about this type of surgery.