Artificial eye made of glass
“Special craftsmanship since 1920”
Information on Artificial Eyes Made of Glass
Removing and inserting the artificial eye
In most cases, the shape of an artificial eye resembles a triangle. The lower part of the prosthesis is almost “straight,” forming the base of the triangle. For better orientation, no veining are replicated on the upper part of the eye. This surface is white.
Removal
The best way is to use your thumb (nail side down) to press the lower eyelid edge down so that you can slide the tip of your thumb under the edge of the artificial eye. At the same time, use your index finger to grasp the eye from above and then remove it using a tweezer grip.
A suction cup or a special glass rod can also be used as an additional aid. (Both are available from us)
Insertion
Moisten the eye with warm water. Pull the upper eyelid upwards with one handA suction cup or a special glass rod can also be used as an additional aid. (Both are available from us)
and use your other hand to push the artificial eye as far up as possible under the eyelid.
Hold the eye in this position! Now let go of the upper eyelid and pull the lower eyelid down slightly so that the eye can slide behind the lower eyelid.
How do I clean my artificial eye?
- In general, you can and should wear the artificial eye both day and night. In most cases, it cleans itself through blinking and tear fluid.
- Of course, you are free to remove the artificial eye for cleaning. However, try not to leave the eye socket unprotected for an extended period, such as overnight or for several days, as the conjunctiva may shrink due to dryness.
- You can clean the prosthesis either by removing it or by wiping it with a damp cotton pad while it is in place.
- If you remove the artificial eye for cleaning, it is advisable not to do this over a sink, as the risk of BREAKAGE is very high. It is safer to use a cosmetic mirror and a small plastic bowl with warm water placed on a table to remove and clean the prosthesis.
- In cases of incomplete eyelid closure, harder deposits may form, potentially irritating the eyelid margins. These should be removed with warm water.
What should I do if my artificial eye breaks?
- If your artificial eye breaks, please collect all the broken pieces and bring them with you to your appointment. We may be able to recreate the shape of your prosthesis using the shards.
- Do not attempt to glue the broken pieces together yourself!
- If available, insert one of your previous artificial eyes so that the eye socket is not left unprotected for an extended period.
- If you do not have a replacement prosthesis, we are happy to send you a placeholder for the interim period.
- Please schedule an appointment with our practice as soon as possible to have a new prosthesis made. (In the case of breakage, a new prosthesis is provided.)
- Unfortunately, repairing a damaged ocular prosthesis is not possible.
What should be done if a correction of the ocular prosthesis is necessary?
- A change (correction) to the artificial eye is only possible in a new condition due to chemical processes triggered by tear fluid.
- The artificial eye should not be in contact with tear fluid for more than 6 hours – single-layer shells should only be in contact for 2 hours – as we will no longer be able to modify the prosthesis for technical reasons after this period.
- If you wish to make changes, remove the artificial eye as soon as possible and clean it thoroughly. The tear fluid must be completely removed from the prosthesis. Store the artificial eye dry. You do not need to come immediately – only the actual wearing time is important. Then, schedule a new appointment to make the correction.
When should I have my artificial eye renewed?
- Due to the effect of tear fluid on the glass, the surface of the prosthesis is typically worn and damaged within a year. Therefore, we recommend timely renewal after about one year.
- If changes in the eye socket lead to a deterioration in the fit and/or comfort of the prosthesis, the creation of a new prosthesis is advisable.
- If your prosthesis is broken, you are entitled to a new artificial eye.
- Cost carriers cover the expense of a new ocular prosthesis once a year. In exceptional cases, such as breakage of the prosthesis or changes in the eye socket, additional reimbursement may be provided.
Shaping from Glass
Due to the volume ratios in the eye socket, we have two different types of prostheses to choose from.
The thicker double-walled reform eye or the thinner scleral shell.
If there is a lot of space in the eye socket after the removal of the eyeball or if we need to compensate for a significant volume deficit, we can work with a double-walled reform eye, allowing flexibility in volume design.
If the blind eyeball has been preserved, the single-layer so-called bulbous scleral shell offers a very good option to cover the remaining eyeball with minimal volume buildup, restoring the aesthetic facial harmony.
