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Cumberland Prosthetics strives to provide the best in custom made ocular prosthetics tailored to the unique characteristics of each individual.
Custom Fit Prosthetic Eye
We specialize in custom fitting ocular prostheses. We fabricate standard prosthetic eyes and scleral cover shells. Scleral cover shells are fitted over the conditions of phthisis bulbi, evisceration surgery, congenital microphthalmia, and a normal sized blind or disfigured eye. Scleral shells differ from prosthetic eyes in their thickness and length of wearing time depending on the size and sensitivity of the eye. We recommend replacing your prosthesis every 5 years, or as needed due to change in fit, comfort or cosmesis.
Important Points to Remember
Never leave the eye in a piece of tissue. This is the easiest way to lose it. If you swim, while diving underwater, keep your eyes closed. Watch out for the surf when swimming in the ocean. Goggles are a good idea.
Use only recommended cleaner and water in cleaning the prosthesis, unless otherwise directed by your Doctor or Ocularist.
Always wipe the eye towards the nose, wiping outward can dislodge it or cause it to come out.
Always practice extreme cleanliness when handling your prosthesis.
Cold weather, hot weather, dry weather and wind all tend to evaporate moisture on the surface of the eye and make blinking difficult.
Consult your Doctor or Ocularist immediately if trouble arises.
Have your sighted eye checked regularly by your Ophthalmologist.
Have your eyes checked at least once a year by your Ophthalmologist.
Enlargement or Color Adjustment
Normally a prosthesis can be enlarged within the first 1-3 years of life of the prosthesis due to growth or socket changes. The color of the iris or sclera can also be adjusted as needed. The appointment time for this type of adjustment can vary, but usually runs about 2-3 hours.
Reduction Adjustment
Reductions or decreasing the size of the prosthesis can be indicated when there are socket changes/contractures. The appointment time for this type of adjustment can vary, but usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Cleaning and Polishing (Resurfacing)
Recommended twice a year or every 6 months. This service is important for monitoring the condition of the patient's eye socket. As well as the condition of the prosthesis from normal wear & tear. The comfort level of an artificial eye wearer can change dramatically with the this simple service. It can also aid in combating the effects of season change, allergies, excess mucus discharge and protein deposits that appear on the surface of the prosthesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is my prosthesis made of?
Your custom made ocular prosthesis is made of very fine plastic that can be molded, painted and polished to create a realistic and comfortable artificial eye or prosthesis. The plastic is light in weight, yet tough enough to resist breakage if dropped. If the plastic is accidently scratched, your ocularist can repolish it.
Will my prosthesis cause changes in my socket ?
Socket changes may take place which will necessitate adjustments in the size and shape of the prosthesis. The adjustments can often be accomplished on the same model, especially for young children when a change due to growth must be made.
What can I expect from my prosthesis?
When you first lose an eye, the problems of adjustment are great. However, you should keep in mind that your remaining eye will develop it's own depth-perception and that you will be able to do practically everything with one, that you did with two. Being fitted with a prosthesis is the best way of getting back to your normal way of living after losing an eye. Naturally, your doctor and your ocularist want your appearance to be as natural as possible and every effort will be made to accomplish this. Don’t become upset if slight imperfections in color or lid contour exists. Remember, you and your Ocularist are looking for these imperfections and ways to correct them.
How will I compensate and have better vision?
To compensate for a smaller field of vision, learn to turn your head more frequently. This will allow you to see as much (if not more) as you did before.
Will I be able to drive my car?
If your remaining eye has good vision, you may still be able to get a drivers license. You may have to take the driving test more often. However, to gain a wider field of vision, you should learn to use your rear view and outside mirrors more. Also turn your head more often.
What should I do to protect my remaining eye?
Safety glasses or polycarbonate lenses are strongly recommended, even though you may not need correctional lenses. These are especially important for children.
How do I clean my prosthesis?
Baby shampoo and warm water are recommended for cleaning. The eye should be scrubbed well with the thumb and forefinger.
How often should I remove my prosthesis?
Your prosthesis is designed to be worn day and night. The less handling, the better. Only in rare cases or if you are wearing a scleral cover shell, should the prosthesis be removed at night. Although it is not usually necessary to remove the prosthesis at all, there may be instances when the eye must be removed every day for cleaning. Surface deposits, scratches, pits or any roughness can cause irritation, which invites infection of the socket. If after several years of wear, you find you have an increased amount of secretion, the eye has probably reached its age limit and a new one will be necessary.
How often should I get my prosthesis checked?
Your eye should be checked every six months to once a year by your Ocularist to determine that there are no scratches, surface deposits or changes necessary. This is also an important appointment for assessing the condition of socket anatomy. Children under eight years of age should have checkups more frequently.
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