What is the purpose of an ocular prosthesis?
Disease description:
I lost one of my eyes due to an accident, and my life has been significantly affected. I have also seen bloggers online who, like me, shared their experiences with prosthetic eyes. My doctor has recommended that I get a prosthetic eye as well. I would like to know what benefits a prosthetic eye can provide?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Shuai
An ocular prosthesis, also known as an artificial eye or prosthetic eye, is an assistive device primarily used to replace an eye lost due to disease, accidental injury, or congenital defects.
Main purposes of ocular prostheses:
1. Aesthetic restoration: An ocular prosthesis can fill the void left after loss of the eyeball, maintaining facial symmetry and preventing sagging or distortion of facial muscles and skin. This is especially important for pediatric patients, as it helps ensure normal facial development.
2. Improvement of facial symmetry: By wearing an ocular prosthesis, discrepancies in the size of the two eyes can be corrected to achieve a symmetrical appearance. This is particularly beneficial for correcting asymmetry caused by congenital developmental abnormalities or trauma.
3. Enhanced self-confidence: Ocular prostheses can simulate the appearance and movement of a real eye, helping individuals feel more confident.
4. Restoration of daily living abilities: Ocular prostheses have a certain degree of mobility and can assist patients in performing everyday manual tasks without affecting their line of sight.
Ocular prostheses can closely mimic the color, texture, and luster of a natural eye, and even respond to changes in light in a manner similar to a natural eye, making the wearer appear virtually indistinguishable from others visually.
