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Artificial Eyes/ Ocular Prosthetics |
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Hollands of London |
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Consultant Optician — Simply Beautiful VISION & SCIENCE |
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Hollands of London 3 New Cavendish Street London W1G 8UX Tel / Fax: 020 74868533 email: kantifatania@hotmail.com |
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About an Artificial eye An artificial eye or ocular prosthesis is a replacement for the natural eye lost due to injury or disease. It is a plastic prosthesis used when an eye is surgically removed. During surgery, a ball implant is inserted into the eye socket to fill the area the eye once occupied. An ocular prosthesis is then moulded to fit in front of the implant. It occupies the space between the eyelids and the skin (conjunctiva) covering the implant. The artificial eye cannot replace the sight that is lost from the natural eye but will fill the cavity that is left by the loss of the eye and provide a cosmetic replacement for the wearer.
While artificial eyes have been made for thousands of years, the first orbital implants were developed about 100 years ago. These first-generation implants were a major improvement for those wearing an artificial eye, but they were unable to deliver natural movement to the artificial eye. This lack of movement was a major obstacle to restoring a natural appearance, which made the adjustment to wearing an artificial eye much more difficult. These implants also tended to drift (migrate) in the orbit and were often rejected by the tissues of the body, making further surgeries necessary. These problems inspired researchers to search for a better orbital implant. Most artificial eyes today are made of plastic which is hard wearing, comfortable and can provide a realistic match. Advances in technology have meant that the loss of an eye need no longer mean the loss of a natural appearance to the wearer and today's ocular prosthesis is carefully matched, comfortable and cosmetically pleasing.
However most eyes will need replacing after a certain period of time dependent on the patient and their needs. Children for example will require frequent replacements due to the growth changes that occur.
Kanti Fatania at Hollands of London has been involved in the creation of ocular prosthesis for patients for many years and is highly regarded in his profession. His many patients have ranged from infants through to older patients covering a wide range of difficulties and situations each requiring professional care and attention to detail. |
