Surgeons only like to remove a eye if every other method fails. It truly is the operation of last resort. If the whole eye has to be removed then an ocular prosthesis is usually needed to fill the cavity left behind. In many other circumstances this kind of operation is completely avoidable.

If the eye is merely deformed and doesn’t need removal then a Schleral shell prosthesis may be appropriate. The Schleral shell or “cover shell” as it is also known is a prosthetic that covers the front of the eye by fitting over the real one. It doesn’t improve vision or help you see again, but it does improve the look of the wearer no end. Like the ocular prosthesis, the schleral shell does nothing to improve the physical wellbeing of a patient directly. It does improve their own feelings and self confidence. It’s a bitter blow to lose an eye, both for vision reasons, and appearance. Our eyes are the windows of our soul, and are used and seen all the time. Often the psychological effects can weigh on the patient more than the physical ones.

Only a qualified ocularist will be able to tell you if this kind of prosthetic is more appropriate than any other as it differs from person to person. These only work properly if there is a big enough deformity in the eye and the cornea is insensitive enough to allow the implant to sit on top of it.

The process of making an schleral shell is similar to that of making a standard ocular implant. Measurements and a mold is taken in order to make a prosthetic that resembles the remaining eye as much as possible. Getting it right will mean the difference between an excellent comfortable eye and one you can only wear a couple of hours at a time. Care must be taken in order to be able to create the best result possible. As the original eye is still in place there will probably be no need for surgery. Therefore there will be no lengthy healing process to get out of the way before having a shell fitted. This results in less time that your damaged eye is on display. The process of building the eye involves taking the mould and covering it with dental stone. Then filling the stone with plastic and curing it in a water bath. This plastic will end up being the prosthetic. A thin layer of acrylic is added, and a piece of clear plastic to simulate the lens.

The iris and eye details are painted onto the eye to closely match the remaining one, then another thin layer of acrylic is added and cured onto the surface to preserve the finish. Depending on the complexity of the eye, this process can be done within a few days. Then a fitting will be required to ensure the finish and the fit are exact before completion. Once the final check and fit is completed the procedure is done. Yearly checks will be required to ensure the eye still fits well but that’s it. The patient should now be able to wear and make the most of all our hard work!

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