Specializing in Custom Artificial Eyes

ARTIFICIAL EYES

Prior to World War II, ocular prosthetics were made of a blown glass that was collapsed to form a concave shape. During and after World War II, the specialized glass used in making glass artificial eyes became increasingly difficult to obtain. Soon, acrylic and other plastic polymers were being used for many of the uses previously exclusive to glass. An exciting use of this new material was for artificial eyes, or ocular prosthetics. Acrylic revolutionized the art and processes of making ocular prosthetics.

Glass artificial eyes which would break easily, frequently needed replacing, and were crude approximations to fit and comfort were now being replaced by acrylic. Acrylic provided many advantages over glass. Many of these advantages also came with improved techniques such as impression molding, blending, and the ease of changing shape, color, and size of the prosthesis.

Today's ocular prosthesis is carefully matched, comfortable and cosmetically pleasing. Most of our patients do not feel their prosthesis and are able to wear it comfortably full-time, removing them a few times a month for cleaning.

The entire prosthesis is custom made in our lab using the patient as a model. This personalized approach ensures symmetry and an exact color match. Utilizing our advanced techniques in fitting and fabrication, we are able to offer a comfortable prosthesis with realistic movement.

Please call us today with any questions you may have after viewing our website. We look forward to your call and the opportunity to serve you!

NEW PATIENT INFORMATION

Following an enucleation or evisceration a patient is fit with a clear conformer, a curved shape that helps form the inside of the eye socket. This first fitting is usually done at the time of surgery by the surgeon.

Ideally, we see patients 1-2 weeks after the surgery. This visit allows us to meet with the patient & family, explain our process and ease anxiety about the restoration. During the initial visit, we also exchange the conformer, replacing the generic post-op conformer with a custom-fit conformer.

The patient returns approximately every 2 weeks, to monitor healing and change the conformer as swelling reduces. These visits are important for the final fit and movement of the prosthesis.

About 6-8 weeks after the surgery, when the swelling has reduced enough for molding, we begin the prosthesis. To complete a prosthesis usually takes 3-4 appointments, which can be done over the period of about 1 week.

Follow-up appointments usually occur after 2 months. We check the comfort, fit and appearance making any necessary adjustments. We guarantee your satisfaction and cover all adjustments and polishes for 1 year.

For ongoing care, we see our patients every 6 months for an orbital exam and polish. The prosthesis usually lasts about 5 years before it needs to be replaced. Please contact us today for an appointment or a free consultation.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Most insurance plans cover new and replacement artificial eyes, scleral shells and polishes. Please call or email us if you have a question about coverage or referrals. In most cases, we can get the referral started for you!

We welcome any questions you may have regarding insurance coverage. We work with most all insurance plans, including Medicare, AETNA, DSHS, Regence, Premera BlueCross, Guardian, First Choice, Secure Horizons, Group Health & other HMO's.

Whether you are currently wearing an ocular prosthesis, are in need of one, or are gathering information, we hope these examples have been useful.

If you are interested in a consultation or are having difficulties with your current fit, please contact us for an appointment.