When an eye is blind and painful, or badly damaged, removing it and fitting an artificial eye that moves with the other.
What it is
This is a decision no one takes lightly, and never at a first appointment. When an eye cannot see and causes pain, removing it usually ends the pain, and a custom artificial eye is made to match your other eye.
The operation
The eye is removed and a small implant placed in the socket, so the artificial eye moves naturally. The muscles are attached to the implant.
It takes one to two hours under general anaesthetic, usually with one night in hospital. An ocularist fits the artificial eye a few weeks later.
What it does not do
Your consultant will explain every alternative first, and you are given as much time as you need.
Who it can help
It may suit you if for a painful or blind eye, with care through to a fitted artificial eye is what you notice most, and you are otherwise well.
- An eye that cannot see and causes constant pain
- An eye badly damaged by injury or disease
- Concerns about the appearance of a blind eye
- A shrunken socket after earlier surgery
You will meet the ocularist who makes the artificial eye before the operation, so you know what to expect.
Recovery and risks
This is bigger surgery, and recovery takes longer. Your consultant will explain what to expect in your case.
The first two days
You stay in hospital overnight so the team can check the eye. Swelling and bruising are marked.
The first two weeks
Swelling settles slowly. Avoid blowing your nose, bending and heavy lifting.
Weeks two to six
Bruising fades and vision settles. Double vision, if you have it, usually improves.
Three to six months
The socket has settled. Any further treatment is planned at this point.
Possible risks
Every operation carries some risk. For eye removal and artificial eye these include:
- Bruising and swelling that take a few weeks to settle
- Numbness of the cheek or forehead
- Double vision, which is usually temporary
- Bleeding or infection, which are uncommon
- Very rarely, a change in vision
Your surgeon will go through the risks that apply to you, and give you written information to take home.
Insurance
Eye removal and artificial eye is sometimes covered when the problem affects your health or your vision. Surgery for appearance alone is not.
Check your cover with your insurer before your consultation, and your surgeon will supply what they need.
Questions patients ask
Will the artificial eye move?
It moves with the implant behind it. The movement is usually good, though not identical to the other eye.
Does it hurt afterwards?
The socket is sore for a week or two. Most people find the constant pain they had beforehand is gone.
How is the artificial eye cared for?
It is removed and cleaned from time to time, and repolished every year or two. The ocularist will show you.
Is it covered?
Usually yes. This is medical treatment.