Movable Prosthetic Eye

- Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil
- Last updated:
- 5 min read
- Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek
What is Movable Prosthetic Eye?
Movable Eye Prosthesis offers an aesthetic solution to people with eye loss. Although this type of surgery does not restore eye function, it improves facial symmetry and social confidence. Treatment has two stages: during surgery an implant that allows movement is placed in the eye socket, and after healing a custom-made prosthetic eye is fitted. The prosthesis is carefully prepared to have a realistic appearance and thus the facial expression of the person is completed in a natural way.
What is Prosthetic Eye Surgery? How is it performed?
Prosthetic eye surgery is carried out for people who have lost an eye or who have a blind, painful or shrunken eye. Treatment is completed in two stages: first an implant is placed in the eye socket during surgery, then, once the socket has healed, a custom-made prosthesis is fitted.
Stage 1: Surgery and placement of the implant
The operation is usually performed under general anaesthesia. One of two methods is chosen depending on the condition of the eye. In evisceration, the inner contents of the eye are removed, while the white outer wall (sclera) and the eye muscles stay in place. In enucleation, the whole eye is removed and the eye muscles are stitched to the implant that replaces it. In both methods a round implant is placed to restore the lost volume and is covered with the conjunctiva. A temporary clear shell (conformer) is inserted to keep the shape of the socket. Because the eye muscles are attached to this implant, the prosthesis is able to move.
Stage 2: Fitting the custom-made prosthesis
Usually 4-6 weeks are allowed for the tissues to heal and the swelling to settle. The socket is then measured and the prosthesis is made individually to match the colour and size of the other eye. Today prostheses are mostly made of acrylic; they are shaped like a thin shell and sit in front of the implant, behind the eyelids. Regular check-ups are recommended for a few weeks after fitting, to monitor the fit of the prosthesis and the condition of the socket. Prosthetic eye surgery does not restore sight, but it offers the patient a significant aesthetic and psychological improvement.
In which cases is eye prosthesis applied?
Eye prostheses can be applied in various situations. The most common reasons for application include eye cancer, severe eye injuries or serious infections. When the eye needs to be removed, a prosthetic eye is used to aesthetically fill the empty eye cavity.
Congenital anomalies or other medical conditions that cause the eye to lose its function may also require prosthetic eye application. Although these prostheses do not restore vision, they greatly improve the aesthetic appearance of the person's face and provide self-confidence in social interactions. The prostheses are custom-made and painted to match the natural eye colours. The maintenance and cleaning of prosthetic eyes is also very important and this should be done regularly for the comfort of the user.
Prosthetic Eye Stages
The prosthetic eye stages include the process of applying a prosthetic eye to the patient. Firstly, a detailed eye examination and measurement is performed. At this stage, the depth, width and peripheral features of the eye cavity are carefully measured. The production of the prosthetic eye is personalised according to these measurements and designed to be compatible with the patient's other eye. The prosthesis is usually made of lightweight and biocompatible materials such as acrylic.
Aesthetic features such as eye colour and iris details are also taken into account during the design phase. After the production of the prosthesis is completed, a fitting is performed to test its suitability. At this time, it is checked whether the prosthesis fits correctly in the eye cavity and whether it is suitable for the patient's facial structure. After the necessary adjustments are made, the prosthetic eye is finally placed. After the implantation of the prosthesis, the patient is expected to undergo an adaptation process. In this process, regular control and follow-up is important for the patient to get used to the prosthesis and not to feel any discomfort. The care and cleaning of the prosthetic eye is also explained in detail to the patient and the patient's relatives during this process. Annual controls are recommended for successful use of the prosthetic eye in the long term. During these checks, the condition of the prosthesis, any changes in the face and potential problems are evaluated. The prosthetic eye may wear out over time or the patient's facial structure may change; therefore, a new prosthesis may be needed from time to time. These stages are important to ensure that the patient gets the best result both aesthetically and psychologically.
Risks and Possible Side Effects
In experienced hands, movable prosthetic eye surgery carries low risks. Most possible problems are easily treated when noticed early:
- Swelling and pain: common in the first days and eased with medication.
- Infection: uncommon; it is controlled with antibiotics.
- Exposure of the implant: uncommon; it is repaired with a small operation.
- Fitting problems with the prosthesis (discharge, slipping): resolved by adjusting or renewing the prosthesis.
How Much Is The Prosthetic Eye Price?
The price of prosthetic eye varies depending on the underlying cause and the operation to be performed. The treatment plan to be created by our specialist ophthalmologist depending on the detailed examination results may vary from person to person.
Why choose Kudret Eye İstanbul for your procedure?
Over 24 years in eye care: three eye hospitals and a general hospital, a team of specialist surgeons and technology renewed every year.
Over 24 years of experience
Hundreds of thousands of successful operations and a name trusted across generations.
The latest technology
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Specialist surgeons
Every treatment is performed by a surgeon who specialises in it.
Lifetime aftercare
Follow-up checks and, if ever needed, enhancement are our responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a movable prosthetic eye look like a real eye?
How long will it take me to recover after movable prosthetic eye surgery?
Can vision be restored with a movable prosthetic eye?
How is a movable prosthetic eye inserted and removed?
Can the prosthetic eye move?
Does a movable prosthetic eye require maintenance?
Patient Reviews
References
- 1.Enucleation · EyeWiki (AAO)
- 2.Evisceration · EyeWiki (AAO)
- 3.Ocular Prostheses, Scleral Shells, and Conformers · EyeWiki (AAO)