What is an artificial eye? Who will benefit from it?

An artificial eye is a replacement for an absent or injured natural eye without vision. Also called ocular prosthesis. It is made of medical grade plastic and so resembles the opposite normal eye. A person who lacks cosmetic appearance in a vision-less eye or who has had his eye removed due to tumor can be fitted with artificial eye to provide good cosmesis. Even those born without eyes can be fitted with ocular prosthesis. An artificial eye fitted for cosmetical appearance helps the wearer to face the outside world with more confidence, improves self esteem and enhances eye contact.

Is there any appropriate age for fitting an artificial eye? Who will fit an artificial eye?

No, the artificial eye can be fitted across all age groups. An ocularist is a person who is trained professionally in making and fitting artificial eyes after a detailed assessment.

What are the types of artificial eyes? How long will it take to fit it? How often do I have to keep changing them?

An artificial eye can be either fitted ready made called as stock shell or it may be tailor made called as customized shell. A stock shell can be fitted in the same day and a customized shell usually needs 3 visits for fitting. A ready made (stock shell) shell needs to be changed every 6months. A customized shell needs to be changed every 3 to 4 years.

Are there any adverse reactions on fitting them? How do I maintain them?

No adverse reactions occur with artificial eye if good hygiene is maintained. An artificial eye needs to be removed and cleaned with antiseptic hand wash solution once in a week for customized shells and twice a week for stock shells.

Does an artificial eye need an ophthalmologist prescription?

Generally an ophthalmologist refers the appropriate individuals to the ocularist who does the artificial eye fitting after a detailed assessment.

What is the role of the FREEDOM TRUST and whom do I contact?

FREEDOM TRUST has embarked on the ambitious project of providing ocular prosthesis to beneficiaries. Representatives of the trust can be contacted as follows:

FREEDOM TRUST OCULAR PROSTHESIS PROJECT

Jayasree (PH 9003262021)

D 1/9, Anand apartments, near Hotel Bharani,

50, LB Road,Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai – 41

Ph: 9382705849 (Hema)