SERVICES
Our services fall into two main categories: creating a new prosthesis and the ongoing care and maintenance of your existing prosthesis.
Read the descriptions below so you can know what to expect at each step.
NEW PROSTHESIS
STEP 1:
PAINTING THE IRIS AND TAKING AN IMPRESSION OF THE SOCKET
Andra will paint a replica of your natural iris on the back of an acrylic disk. This will eventually be embedded into the final prosthesis. Then she will gently take a mould of your socket shape using a silicone material that sets to a soft rubber-like consistency in about 1 minute. For those with sensitivities a numbing agent can be used at this stage to ease any discomfort.
STEP 2:
TRIAL FITTING
Prior to the second appointment Andra will have made an acrylic fitting shape based on the impression taken in step 1. This will be polished smooth but will not have any colour on it. Fine tuning this shape allows Andra to make sure the final prosthesis will match the natural eye in volume, aperture, and gaze to the greatest extent possible.
STEP 3:
PAINTING THE SCLERA
For the third appointment Andra will show you the white base of the prosthesis with the painted iris embedded within. Now it is time to paint the subtle colouring of the sclera and delicate veins that give the eye a convincing, naturalistic appearance. Andra will then add a clear coating to the eye, so that all of the artwork is encased in bio-compatible acrylic. Patients will usually come back later that day or at their convenience to pick up the completed prosthesis.
REGLAZE
Every 6 months you should come in for a check up and reglazing of the eye. Andra will remove your prosthesis and polish off the proteins and minerals that can build up on its surface and cause it to look dull and feel scratchy. She will also examine the tissues that come into contact with the prosthesis to ensure that it is fitting well, as well as look out for any signs of infection or other problems within the orbit. During these bi-annual reglaze appointments we can also address any concerns or questions you have about the prosthesis.
Additionally, these check-ups are valuable for determining when it is time to make you a new prosthetic eye, on average about every 5 years.
ADJUSTMENTS
Sometimes there are adjustments that we can make to an existing prosthesis to make it look or fit even better, or to accommodate changes that have arisen since the eye was originally made.
Occasionally patients find that the colour is not quite right, or the shape could be improved, and they would like to have it adjusted. If this arises within the first 3 months of receiving the prosthesis we will make any adjustments to the colour or shape free of charge. Thereafter we will make any changes that are necessary to accommodate changes in the body.