Do not use ready-made eye prostheses for extended periods of time
In Belgium, various providers sell ready-made ocular prostheses. We would like to warn you that these ocular prostheses can cause many problems. We recommend that you consult only certified ocularists at Belgian hospitals.
Ocularist Stéphan de Jong of UZ Leuven says: “Most ocularists in Belgium work with a stock of ocular prostheses that are tried on. In France, this practice has been banned for years. This is because you are not allowed to fit the same prosthesis to different patients. Furthermore, the chance that the prosthesis will be a good fit in terms of color, size, and front and back curvature is very small.”
Due to the poor fit, there is space behind the prosthesis when it is worn. This can occur in the center or at the edges. Since it is warm and moist behind the prosthesis, bacteria will multiply, and the body will respond by producing discharge. If this persists for a long time, the socket or the eye will become very red. In such cases, the prosthesis will also be less well tolerated.
Not pretty
On top of that, a prosthesis that’s too large is certainly not attractive and isn’t comfortable. A prosthesis that’s too small looks like a lazy eye. The eyelids droop more. This isn’t attractive either. The ocularist at a Belgian hospital always custom-makes an ocular prosthesis and works closely with the doctors.”
The OOG in OOG Association therefore advises people in Belgium to see a certified ocularist at a hospital to prevent eye problems.
On Saturday, September 7, the OOG in OOG Association is organizing a gathering in Mechelen, Belgium. Ocularist Stéphan de Jong will give a presentation that day. This will be a great opportunity for attendees to ask him questions.
