Restoring Natural Appearance and Confidence at Erdem Hospital

An Ocular Prosthesis (commonly known as an Artificial Eye or Glass Eye) is a customized medical device designed to replace a natural eye that has been lost due to congenital conditions, severe trauma, tumors, or progressive eye diseases that cause total vision loss. While the prosthesis does not restore vision, its primary purposes are crucial: to achieve a natural and symmetrical cosmetic appearance and to maintain the healthy structure and movement of the eye socket.

At Erdem Hospital, we understand that eye loss is a deeply emotional experience that impacts self-confidence and psychological well-being. Our specialized Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery team provides expert surgical preparation (Evisceration or Enucleation) and coordinates closely with highly skilled Ocularists to ensure the final custom-made prosthesis is virtually indistinguishable from the remaining eye.

Turkey has become a favored destination for patients seeking custom ocular prosthetics due to its high-quality medical services and access to experienced specialists and ocularists. International patients benefit from high success rates in achieving a natural look and significantly more affordable pricing.

Surgical Preparation and Prosthetic Types

The process begins with preparing the eye socket to ensure the best fit and movement for the prosthesis.

Surgical Procedures

• Evisceration: The contents of the eye are removed, but the outer white shell (sclera) and the eye muscles are preserved. This is often preferred as it allows for better movement of the final prosthesis and quicker recovery.
• Enucleation: The entire eyeball is removed, typically performed in cases involving tumors or severe, unrecoverable damage.
• Orbital Implant: In both evisceration and enucleation, a spherical implant (made of materials like acrylic or porous polyethylene) is usually placed in the socket to replace lost volume, maintain the socket's shape, and aid in transferring movement to the final prosthesis.

Types of Prosthetics

• Custom-Made Ocular Prosthesis: The most common and definitive solution. It is individually molded to the patient’s unique socket shape and hand-painted to match the color, iris details, and veining of the healthy eye for optimal realism.
• Cosmetic Shell: A thinner prosthesis worn over an existing eye that is blind, damaged, or shrunken (phthisis bulbi), provided the patient has preserved some eye sensation and tolerates the shell.

What's Included in the Ocular Prosthetics Journey

The service package is designed to be comprehensive, covering all stages from surgery to final fitting:

• VIP airport-hotel-hospital transfers so you're never navigating on your own.
• A three-night stay in premium accommodation (hospitalization may be required for initial surgery).
• Pre-surgery consultation and diagnostic assessments (to plan Evisceration/Enucleation).
• The Surgical Procedure (Evisceration or Enucleation with Orbital Implant placement).
• The Conformer Placement: A temporary plastic shell placed post-surgery to maintain the socket shape during the healing period (usually 6–8 weeks).
• The Custom Prosthetic Fitting and Manufacturing (coordination with the Ocularist).
• One year follow-up support for post-operative monitoring and initial prosthetic adjustments.
• English-speaking staff and interpreters so nothing gets lost in translation.

Recovery and Maintenance

• Surgical Recovery: Initial surgical healing takes several weeks. The final custom prosthesis is fitted once the swelling has resolved (typically 6 weeks to 3 months post-surgery).
• Adaptation: The custom prosthesis is lightweight and comfortable; most patients adapt quickly. The goal is to maximize the movement transferred from the underlying implant/muscles.
• Maintenance: The prosthesis must be removed and cleaned regularly (daily or weekly, depending on the specialist's instructions) to maintain hygiene and prevent socket discharge.
• Longevity: A custom prosthesis can be used for many years, but the socket may change shape over time due to growth or atrophy, requiring a replacement every few years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can a prosthetic eye see? No. The ocular prosthesis is purely cosmetic and does not restore vision; the affected eye is completely blind.
• What is the difference between Evisceration and Enucleation? Evisceration keeps the outer scleral shell and muscles intact, often resulting in better post-operative movement. Enucleation removes the entire eyeball and is typically reserved for tumors.
• How long does the fitting process take? After the initial healing (weeks to months), the actual fitting, molding, and hand-painting of the custom eye requires multiple sessions over a few days to a few weeks.
• How often must the prosthesis be cleaned? Cleaning frequency varies but is necessary to prevent irritation and discharge.
• What is a "Conformer"? A temporary plastic shell worn immediately after surgery to hold the shape of the eye socket while swelling subsides.
• Will the artificial eye move? Yes, movement is achieved through the coupling of the prosthesis with the underlying orbital implant and preserved eye muscles, aiming for symmetry with the healthy eye.

Restoring Confidence Through Specialized Ocular Prosthetics

Losing an eye is a deeply personal and difficult experience. At Erdem Hospital, we believe that an expertly crafted ocular prosthesis is vital for recovery, providing both aesthetic restoration and significant psychological support. With 37 years of experience in patient care, our team guides you through the surgical and prosthetic fitting process with the utmost sensitivity and technical skill. Our goal is for you to feel looked after, supported, and confident in your natural appearance.