Traumatic accidents, treatment of ocular and orbital cancers and other diseases sometimes lead to the need for reconstruction of the orbit (eye socket) and the placement of an orbital implant or ocular prosthesis. The loss of an eye does not necessarily mean that it is impossible for a favourable outcome. In fact, with advances in orbital implant materials and surgical techniques, the cosmetic outcome is frequently positive. 

An artificial eye or ocular prosthesis is a replacement for the natural eye lost due to injury or disease. It is an acrylic prosthesis used when an eye is surgically removed. During surgery, a ball implant is inserted into the eye socket to fill the area the eye once occupied. An ocular prosthesis is then moulded to fit in front of the implant. It occupies the space between the eyelid and the skin (conjunctiva) covering the implant. The artificial eye cannot replace the sight that is lost from the natural eye, but will fill the cavity that is left by the loss and provide a cosmetic replacement.

While artificial eyes have been made for thousands of years, the first orbital implants were developed approximately 150 years ago. These first-generation implants were a major improvement, but they were unable to deliver natural movement to the artificial eye.

This lack of movement was a major obstacle to restoring a natural appearance, which made the adjustment to wearing an artificial eye much more difficult. These implants also tended to drift (migrate) in the orbit and were often rejected by the tissues of the body, making further surgeries necessary. These problems inspired researchers to search for a better orbital implant.

Today, most artificial eyes today are made of acrylic which is durable, comfortable and can provide a realistic match. Advances in technology have meant that the loss of an eye no longer equates to the loss of a natural appearance.

An artificial eye is not a barrier to a happy lifestyle, and in fact many well known figures have been fitted with artificial eyes. These include the current UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sammy Davis Jr and Peter Falk.

However, most eyes will need replacing after a certain period of time dependent on the patient and their needs. For example, children will require frequent replacements due to their growth changes.

Ocular prosthesis can be mass produced or custom made, however we often recommend that patients select custom made to ensure a more comfortable fit and complementary appearance.  

Kanti Fatania at Hollands of London has been involved in the creation of ocular prosthesis for patients for over 20 years and is highly regarded in his profession. His many patients include infants through to older patients, covering a wide range of difficulties and situations each requiring the utmost professional care and attention to detail.