There are a variety of things you should know about artificial eyes and how to care for them.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
When Is a Glass Eye Needed?
Removal of an eye is something that must be seriously discussed and the circumstances of each case weighed.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
Or, the eye may need to be removed to save the sight in the still healthy eye.
Eye removal surgery can be done in different ways.
The process of removing the entire globe is called enucleation.
All connections to the orbit, including the optic nerve, are severed.
Enucleation is among the oldest eye procedures.
It has actually been performed since 2600 B.C.
Regardless of the approach, many have concerns about what the outcome may be.
Having an artificial eye implanted after eye removal supports physical and mental well-being.
What Is a Glass Eye?
While many commonly refer to artificial eyes as glass eyes, this is actually a misnomer.
Rather than glass, today’s artificial eyes are made of acrylic material.
A custom mold of the socket can first be made to ensure a proper fit.
This includes being able to blink properly as well as move the artificial eye.
This can then be attached to a unit that is specially molded to fit the orbit.
Once in place, the end result can effectively mimic the other eye.
With a good fitting, an artificial eye can last decades.
Benefits
You dont need a prosthetic eye.
Unfortunately, it will not help to restore sight.
A patch is also an option.
The artificial eye will not be put in place immediately, however.
The socket first needs a chance to heal after eye removal and for swelling to resolve.
After removing the artificial eye, rub it with your fingers under a stream of warm water.
Dry it with a soft cloth and reinsert the eye.
Making It Comfortable
If regularly maintained, the artificial eye should fit comfortably.
Your oculist can make any needed adjustments.
If you feel dryness or irritation, use lubricating eye drops.
Fu L, Patel BC.Enucleation.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Eye removal surgery: Enucleation and evisceration.
The Eye Institute.Everything you should probably know about prosthetic eyes.
