Telephone: (416) 921-4931 -or- Email: info@webbocular.com
An ocularist is a carefully trained technician skilled in the arts of fitting, shaping and painting ocular prostheses. In addition to creating it, the ocularist shows the patient how to handle and care for the prosthesis, and provides long-term care through periodic examinations.
*Ocularists are not medical doctors. Your physician should address any concerns regarding the health of your existing eye or socket.
An artificial eye is an ocular prosthesis/ medical device worn on a full time basis, restoring volume and matching the appearance of the companion eye. Each prosthesis is custom-made using medical grade acrylic, fitted and hand-painted using the patient as the model. The artificial eye should be very comfortable and restore confidence and self esteem to the patient.
A scleral shell is an ocular prosthesis/medical device that is worn over an existing, damaged eye. This type of prosthesis is used to restore symmetry and volume to the damaged socket. It is worn over the front surface of the eye, within the confines of the lids. It is removed each night, similar to a contact lens.
The artificial eye fit by impression, ensuring the most accurate representation of the contours of your socket. As long as your implant or eye moves, the prosthesis will move along with it. There are high motility implant options available that need to be determined on an individual basis. Please speak with your Ophthalmologist or ocularist regarding this.
An artificial eye will take four appointments over two days to complete. In special circumstances, we can make the eye in one day over three appointments.
A scleral shell will take six appointments over three days to complete.
Each appointment will take approximately one hour. The time in between your appointments is used to complete work in our laboratory.
Yes. Routine care is needed to maintain the integrity of the prosthesis. We advise having your prosthesis professionally re-glazed twice a year to remove protein deposits and scratches from the surface. This will help prevent discomfort and infection and maintain the lifelike sheen of a natural eye. A re-glazing appointment takes approximately one half hour and at this time we can assess the prosthesis and look for any changes in the socket that need to be addressed.
We do not recommend over-handling of the artificial eye as this can introduce bacteria into the socket causing discharge and infection. Removing the prosthesis once every three to four weeks and cleaning it with a soft cloth and unscented soap like baby shampoo is recommended.
The scleral shell should be removed every night unless advised otherwise. It should be rinsed and placed into the provided case in contact lens solution. This solution should be changed daily.
*Never apply any type of alcohol-based solution to the prosthesis as it will irreparably damage the surface.
An ocular prosthesis worn by an adult should be replaced every five years. Children under eighteen should have their prosthetics replaced approximately every two years due to growth. The prosthesis is porous and will absorb bodily fluids, causing the plastics to break down over time. This can lead to discomfort and infection. Occasionally, the socket or the existing eye will change causing the prosthesis to no longer fit properly. In this case the eye may need to be replaced earlier. Modifications to accommodate minor changes can be made by adding or removing material from the prosthesis.
If you are a resident of Ontario, the Assistive Devices Program of the Ministry of Health will cover seventy five percent of the cost of your ocular prosthesis. You or your insurance provider will cover the remaining twenty five percent.
Give us a call at (416) 921-4931 or provide us your name and email address (below) for a complimentary consultation.