Techniques

The Art

Fitting Schedule

Fitting requires 6 to 10 hours to deliver the finished prosthesis (time varies with the type of prosthesis, the patient’s orbital and socket condition and appearance). Usually, the patient wears the prosthesis home in about 6-8 hours. Scleral cover shells may require additional time, or the wearing of a trial shell to initialize adaptation.

A follow up appointment will be scheduled to make adjustments that may be required as the eye socket adjusts to the new prosthesis. This is usually scheduled 3 to 5 weeks after the fitting of the prosthesis. This follow up appointment is also intended to assure satisfactory comfort and appearance.

Fitting Techniques

Modified Alignate Impression Method

Alginate material is a non-toxic, non-allergic molding material that is impressed into the eye socket to form a model of the size and shape necessary for the fitting of a prosthesis. This material solidifies to the consistency of the white of a boiled egg. The procedure is painless.

Empirical Method

Sizers of appropriate shapes are used in combination with wax to determine the required size and shape of the prosthesis. Lid opening and closing as well as prosthetic movement and lid height are evaluated and determined as the size and shape of the model is established.The most practical method shall be determined as the ocularist evaluates each patient.

The Science

Materials Used

Acrylic plastic of a medical grade, non-toxic quality. Non-toxic pigments are used for cosmetics. Silicone material is available for an increased fee for those that would benefit from wearing silicone.

Durability

Acrylic plastic has a high impact resistance to breakage.
The material can be scratched or damaged if dropped or scraped on hard, rough surfaces. The material can be resurfaced, buffed and polished to remove minor scratches, etc. and is recommended twice per year.
Silicon is highly resistant to impact & solvents but slightly less resistant to scratches.
Pigments are chemically bonded and cured to assure integrity of prosthesis color.

Fabrication

Acrylic material is tinted, molded and cured under pressure and temperature to provide a long-lasting, durable prosthesis (material may age and crystallize in about 5 to 10 years.)

Artwork is painted with liquid tinted acrylic (non-toxic) to match the companion eye. Scleral veining and pigmentation also are matched to other eye. All color and veining is chemically cured and bonded to insure permanent, lasting color.
Silicon prosthetics are made using the Flexiglass™ Silicone Ocular Prosthesis System. Please visit Flexiglass™ for additional information.