Frequently Asked Questions Index Page
 

We have categorized our questions to facilitate your search for answers about ocular prostheses.  If you cannot find the answer to your question, you may try our search function located on the right.  If you prefer, you may want to ask us your question.  We will do our best to answer your question promptly.

Question Categories:

• General Questions About Prostheses
• Questions About Scleral Ocular Prostheses
• Questions About Prostheses for Children
• Questions About Prostheses for Elderly
• Questions About Ocularists
• Questions on Process, Handling & Care
• Miscellaneous Questions

General Questions About Prostheses:

• What is an Artificial Eye?
• What can an artificial eye do for me?
• Will I be able to see with this prosthesis?
• What is an Implant?
• What kind of implant is best for me?
• What were Stock Plastic Eyes?
• What are Custom Plastic Eyes?
• What is the Difference Between "Stock" and "Custom" Artificial Eyes?
• How long does an artificial eye last?
• How do I obtain an artificial eye?
• What is the process to procure a custom fitted artificial eye?
• Is it necessary to return to the ocularist on a regular basis?
• How do I care for my prosthesis?
• Will I have to remove the prosthesis?
• How often do I have to remove my prosthesis?
• How do I remove and reinsert the prosthesis?
• How does one assist in removing and inserting my prosthesis?
• How do I tell the top of the prosthetic eye from the bottom?
• My vision is very poor in the remaining eye, how will I be able to identify top from bottom if I cannot see the black dot(s) marking?
• My fingers are not as nimble as they use to be.  I don't know if I can squeeze the rubber suction cup to remove the artificial eye, and the hands are not that steady to catch the eye if I try to use my fingers for removal.  What else can I do?
• What about the use of eyeglasses?
• Should I experience any occasional discomfort wearing the prosthesis?
• What inconvenience should I expect?
• Can one participate in sports activities even when wearing an artificial eye?
• Will the allergy season and summer heat be of any concern?
• Will very cold temperatures have any affect on wearing the prosthesis?
• Why does secretion accumulate on the lower eyelid and lashes?

Questions About Scleral Ocular Prostheses:

• What is an impression moulded scleral ocular prosthesis?
• Does the scleral ocular prosthesis have any therapeutic purpose?
• What if my health insurance plan won't cover this fee for a scleral prosthesis claiming it is strictly cosmetic?
• Are there any other benefits derived from wearing such a cover shell over a dysfunctional globe?
• Are all of your scleral prosthetic referrals adults?
• What is the procedure to having a scleral ocular prosthesis?
• If I have a very sensitive cornea and cannot pass Phase I with wearing comfort, but I still want this type of prosthesis, what is my next option?
• Is it possible to wear a soft cosmetic corneal contact lens over a blind disfigured eye?

Questions About Pediatric Prostheses:

• Why does my child need an ocular prosthesis after an eye loss?
• My child was born with a partially developed (microphthalmic) eye, is it possible to fit a cover shell prosthesis over such a globe?
• Is it difficult for my child to be fitted with an artificial eye?
• What is the process of getting an ocular prosthesis for my child?
• Is it necessary to return to the ocularist on a regular basis?
• At what age should my child begin to wear an ocular prosthesis?
• Do I need to find a pediatric ocularist or any ocularist will do?
• How sensitive are the tissues under the eyelids when you put the prosthesis in?
• Is it difficult for my child to adapt to wearing the prosthesis?
• How do I help my child care for the prosthesis?
• How do I help my child to remove and reinsert the prosthesis?
• Is there any cautionary advice you can give regarding the prosthesis and my child?

Questions About Prostheses for Elderly:

• How do I tell the top of the prosthetic eye from the bottom?
• My vision is very poor in the remaining eye, how will I be able to identify top from bottom if I cannot see the black dot(s) marking?
• My fingers are not as nimble as they use to be.  I don't know if I can squeeze the rubber suction cup to remove the artificial eye, and the hands are not that steady to catch the eye if I try to use my fingers for removal.  What else can I do?
• Will I be able to see with this prosthesis?
• Will very cold temperatures have any affect on wearing the prosthesis?
• Why does secretion accumulate on the lower eyelid and lashes?

Questions About Ocularists:

• What is a qualified Ocularist?
• Do I need to find a pediatric ocularist (for my child) or any ocularist will do?
• Are there classified levels in Ocularistry?
• What is the Ocularist Apprenticeship Program?
• What is the American Society of Ocularists?
• What is the National Examining Board of Ocularists?

Questions on Process, Handling & Care:

• How do I obtain an artificial eye?
• What is the process of getting an artificial eye?
• What is the process of getting an ocular prosthesis for my child?
• How do I care for my prosthesis?
• Why should I use a tissue to wipe the artificial eye instead of a handkerchief?
• Is there a certain way I should wipe the prosthesis to prevent it from falling out?
• The eyelid becomes irritated and sore because I cannot close the eyelid completely.  Is there something to make the eyelid more comfortable?
• How do I remove and reinsert of the prosthesis?
• How does one assist in removing and inserting my prosthesis?
• How do I help my child care for the prosthesis?
• How do I help my child removing and reinserting the prosthesis?

Miscellaneous Questions:

• What is there to do while I am in Boston?
• Where can I stay while I am in Boston?