Prosthetic eye in Türkiye

artificial eyeThey help improve the appearance of people who have lost an eye due to injury or disease. It is commonly called the “glass eye” or “fake eye”. It is not really an eye, but rather an envelope that covers the structures in the eye socket.

What is an artificial eye ?

Oval and whitish outer shell to strengthen the whites of the eye.

The central part is rounded and painted to look like the iris and pupil of the other eye.

Implantation of an artificial eye is always recommended after the eye has been surgically removed due to damage or disease. This transplant helps keep the eyelid intact.

Some of the reasons for eye removal are:

• injury
• glaucoma
• Infection inside the eye
• eye tumors
• Types of surgery

Types of eye prosthesis surgery

There are two surgical methods for removing a damaged eye. The type of surgery a patient undergoes will influence the choice of an eye prosthesis.

The two ways are:

Evisceration .

In this method, the gel-like inner part of the eye is suctioned out. This is done through an incision in the front of the eye. But this procedure keeps the tissue in:

External eye

– eye socket (orbit of the eye)

– Complete eradication .

In this method, the entire eye or “eyeball” (the one that looks like a globe) is cut and removed from the eye socket.

The doctor will decide which method to use depending on the following conditions:

• The type of ocular symptom present in the patient.
• The degree of damage to the eye.

Why is an artificial eye used?

An artificial eye can improve the appearance of the affected eye socket. where most people wear an eye patch or a bandage,          

If the entire eye is removed, the artificial eye fills the existing space and prevents existing tissue from growing to fill the space.

The replacement eye does not restore vision after the natural eye is removed. And the person will not have vision in that eye.

What is the artificial eye made of ?

There used to be a “glass eye” and it was really made of glass. Today, prosthetic eyes are generally made of a hard plastic acrylic material in the shape of a shell.

The prosthetic eye is made to fit into the “ocular implant”. An ocular implant is a separate, round, rigid device that is surgically and permanently installed deep in the eye socket.

The ocular implant is often wrapped with living tissue or a synthetic cushioning material before it is implanted.

Prosthetic eye surgery: what to expect?

After surgery to remove the normal eye, the spherical eye implant is permanently and deeply implanted. And later! The removable prosthesis is made to be compatible with the implant.

The removal of the damaged eye is usually performed under local anesthesia. Sedatives and pain relievers may be given intravenously to reduce anxiety and pain. General anesthesia is not usually necessary but is an option.

Oral antibiotics may be prescribed for several days after artificial eye surgery. Antibiotic eye drops are usually prescribed for a few weeks. The eye socket is covered and given months to heal.

After healing is complete, the ophthalmologist makes wax impressions on the front of the eye socket. The doctor builds a custom artificial eye to fit the implant, and a new iris (the colored part) and blood vessels are carefully drawn on the white area by hand to match the healthy eye.

The prosthetic eye moves, but often does not move as fully or as quickly as a healthy eye. The size of the pupil does not change in response to light. So the pupils of the eyes may appear uneven.

The change in the shape of the eye socket may persist after surgery. Therefore, additional fitting and adjustment of the prosthesis may be necessary weeks or months after the initial fixation.

Although the surgery is considered minor, losing an eye and adjusting to life with a prosthetic eye can be very challenging psychologically and emotionally. Counseling and support groups are available to help people through this often difficult time.

Possible risks and side effects of prosthetic eye surgery

Surgery always carries risks, and eye surgery is no exception. In rare cases, an uncommon type of inflammation called sympathetic ophthalmitis can damage a healthy eye after evisceration surgery. While this inflammation is often treatable, it can lead to vision loss in the healthy eye.

There is always a risk of infection at the surgical site. However, the infection is uncommon and can be easily treated with antibiotic eyedrops or oral antibiotics.

Once the patient begins wearing the prosthetic eye, they may feel temporary discomfort or tightness in the eye. The patient gets used to it over time.

How to care for an artificial eye

Maintaining a prosthetic eye requires simple but regular care. Here are some tips:

• The acrylic part of the prosthetic eye should be removed once a month and washed thoroughly with soap and water. and dried before returning it to the eye socket.
• The eye should be kept in place during sleep unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
• The prosthetic eye must be placed in the eye socket using a piston designed for this purpose.
• Synthetic acrylic does not have to be removed too often.
• Moisturizing eye drops should be used.
• Any residue from the acrylic prosthesis should be rinsed off as necessary.
• Change the prosthetic eye every five years, or sooner if necessary.

What do I need to do an artificial eye implant in Türkiye?

If you are looking into the possibility of having a prosthetic eye in Türkiye, the team of experts and ophthalmologists at REHABTÜRK can help you determine the best options for you.

Therefore, you should  contact your medical advisor  at “REHABTÜRK” institution to evaluate the case remotely, and then your case will be presented to specialized doctors to assess your suitability for the artificial eye operation.

How can I book an eye prosthesis in Türkiye?

• Free medical support on the phone: You will have a dedicated representative for your health condition who is always ready to answer your questions.
• Free consultation with a specialist doctor: Your medical representative will consult with a number of doctors and hospitals to find the best possible treatments.
• Free travel visa arrangement: We will contact the embassy in your country to assist you in obtaining a visa to visit Türkiye.
• Free itinerary planning: We will create a schedule for your medical trip to Türkiye.
• Free translation of documents and reports: We will translate medical documents and reports into Turkish on your behalf.
• Free support and monitoring: We will monitor the stages of treatment and be by your side every step of the way.
• Free instant translation: We will be with you during the treatment stages to provide translation between you and the medical team.
• Free accommodation and transportation coordination: We will book accommodation for you and your companions in Türkiye, along with transportation services.

Contact REHABTÜRK doctors for more information about the procedure and to evaluate your medical condition.

Request a Free Consultation.