Go to...
For an acrylic (PMMA) eye prosthesis, you’ll often need to visit an ocularist (a specialist in eye prostheses) a few times to determine the correct size. We’ve listed the pros and cons of a plastic eye prosthesis for you:
Unbreakable
Plastic is unbreakable. This makes removal less risky. An acrylic artificial eye offers an added benefit, especially for children and athletes. However, plastic prostheses can still get scratched.
Can be adjusted again and again
Plastic ocular prostheses can be adjusted again and again. The eye socket can sometimes change shape, and unlike a glass prosthesis, a plastic eye prosthesis can always be adjusted to fit the changing eye socket. This is especially true for young children whose eye sockets are not yet fully developed. For them, a plastic prosthesis is actually the best option.
Lifespan
Plastic eye prostheses have a long lifespan.
Relatively rough surface
Plastic eye prostheses have a relatively rough surface because they are mechanically polished. This can cause irritation in wearers who are sensitive to it.
Allergy
Plastic artificial eyes may cause a reaction in people who are allergic to certain types of acrylic (PMMA is a type of acrylic).
Poorer moisture balance
Due to its structure, the surface of the plastic prosthesis provides less effective moisture management. Tear fluid does not flow evenly and naturally across the surface, which can cause irritation.
A glass eye prosthesis is custom-made by a specialized glassblower. The hollow glass ball is heated and molded precisely into the correct shape. The patient’s natural eye color is then applied to the glass eye prosthesis using molten glass. The advantages and disadvantages of a glass eye prosthesis:
Very smooth surface
Glass prosthetic eyes have a very smooth surface because they are polished with a gas flame. As a result, some people find glass prosthetic eyes more comfortable to wear.
Lighter
Glass artificial eyes may be slightly lighter than plastic prostheses.
Good Moisture Balance
The surface of glass provides good moisture management. With glass ocular prostheses, tears flow evenly and naturally across the surface.
More sparkling
They look a little more sparkling.
Time
The prosthesis will be ready in a few hours.
Fragile
Glass artificial eyes are fragile.
Lifespan
Glass artificial eyes have a relatively short lifespan of two years on average. This is due to the effect of tear fluid on the glass.
Shape
The shape usually cannot be adjusted later.
Temperature
Glass ocular prostheses feel colder in the winter because of the presence of a tear film (thin layer).
A scleral prosthesis, also known as a shell prosthesis, is made for use on an eye that is cosmetically unsightly or non-functional. A shell prosthesis can only be used if:
A shell prosthesis is sometimes thinner than an ocular prosthesis. The scleral prosthesis covers the entire front of the eye. A shell prosthesis is not worn at night.
Special lenses are sometimes prescribed for people who see out of one eye but have not had an eye removed. We discuss the most common types below:
What changes when you can only see out of one eye? How does it affect your work, studies, sports, and driving? How do you cope with the fatigue and come to terms with it?
There are several reasons why people see out of only one eye. On this page, you’ll find the most common causes.
If you’re about to have an eye removal procedure, you often have a lot of questions. What exactly will happen? What are the consequences of the surgery? Which doctor should I see?