Prosthetic Services at Eye Center South
Eye Center South has partnered with Jon Imm, a Board Certified Ocularist for the past 30 years. Imm gained experience at Anheuser-Busch Eye Institute and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to refine his expert craft. Using proprietary methods he has developed, he crafts high quality and natural looking prosthetic eyes that are almost identical to your natural eye. His expert craftsmanship draws a client list from people around the world. Imm is an Allied Member of the American Society of Ocularists, Board Certified Ocularist by the National Examining Board of Ocularists in which he also serves as a Board Member.
Artificial Eyes – An artificial eye is fit when the real eye has been removed.
Only state-of-the-art fitting techniques are used when fitting the prosthesis. A custom tray is sculpted from wax to bring symmetry to the lids. The iris is positioned, the primary gaze is determined, and the impression of the socket is then taken. This process will allow the even distribution of the prosthesis over the implant providing the best movement and comfort. The prosthesis is painted using small brushes, oils, and dry pigment in. Multiple layers are applied to duplicate the striations of the Seeing Eye. Silk threads are used to replicate the pattern of blood vessels with that of the Seeing Eye. The sclera (the white of the eye) is also tinted and blended to make the artificial eye undetectable. The length of time needed for fitting and fabrication varies with each patient: However, the eye can usually be completed in one day.
Scleral Cover Shell – A scleral cover shell is fit over a blind shrunken eye, much the same as an artificial eye, although it is much thinner. It is usually well-tolerated and comfortable. Due to the presence of the globe behind the shell, it usually has excellent motility. A well-fit scleral cover shell can make a blinded eye unnoticeable.
Cleanings – As the prosthesis is worn, salts and proteins gradually accumulate on the surface. These buildups can cause socket irritation and chronic discharge. Having the prosthesis polished at least once every year will minimize the protein buildup.
Maxillofacial Restoration – A maxillofacial restoration is a prosthesis that replaces a part of the face with artificial materials. An orbital restoration includes the eye, lids, lashes, brow, and even artificial ears and noses. The fitting and fabrication process takes several visits. Most patients requiring a maxillofacial restoration have experienced cancer. The prosthesis are retained with special effects adhesive or implants placed by the physician.
Custom-made Conformers – Custom conformers are made for several reasons, including poorly fitting stock post-op conformers to expand the socket, or to prepare the patient for a scleral cover shell.
