Jan 15th 2025
Posted by AccuSpire
Enucleation Surgery and Prosthetic Eyes
Losing an Eye: A Physical and Emotional Challenge
Losing an eye due to diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma, retinoblastoma, cancer, choroidal melanoma, injury, or birth defects can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. However, one should not lose self-esteem, as a prosthetic eye can restore appearance, even though vision cannot be regained.
Enucleation Surgery: Removing the Affected Eye
To remove the affected eye, enucleation surgery is performed. During this procedure:
- The eye is removed from the socket, but bone structure and muscles remain intact.
- A custom-designed artificial eye is created by an ocularist, matching the iris color of the remaining eye.
- A temporary prosthesis is inserted into the socket to allow healing.
- Over time, the muscles and blood vessels adapt to the prosthetic eye, allowing it to track objects naturally, similar to the real eye.
Caring for a Prosthetic Eye
- Regular checkups and polishing are essential to maintain the prosthetic eye.
- Special scleral cover lenses are available for blind individuals, resembling contact lenses.
- Over time, adjustments are needed as the eye socket changes due to factors like weight, movement, and age.
The History of Prosthetic Eyes
The use of artificial eyes dates back to ancient times:
- Egyptian and Roman priests crafted clay eyes attached to cloth, worn outside the eye socket.
- In later centuries, artificial eyes were made of gold and colored enamel.
- 16th-century Venetian craftsmen introduced glass eyes, but production stopped during World War II as the glass was imported from Germany.
- Modern prosthetic eyes are made from silicone polymers and glass, providing a more natural appearance and better comfort.
By keeping up with advancements in prosthetics, individuals can restore their confidence and maintain a natural look despite vision loss.
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