Making a new artificial eye
MAKING A NEW ARTIFICIAL EYE (Step-by-Step)
- A custom eye prosthesis is created through careful steps over multiple visits to ensure the best fit and appearance.
- 1st Visit – Impression & Iris Painting
Socket Impression
- A gentle impression is taken using cooling, safe paste.
- This captures the exact shape of your eye socket for a perfect fit.
- For young children, sedation or general anaesthesia may be used.
- Some ocularists may use an impression tray depending on the socket condition.
Iris Colour Matching
- We hand-paint the iris using natural pigments mixed with acrylic resin.
- We do NOT paint based on photos because lighting changes eye colour — hand-matching gives the most accurate result.
- During this time, we also have a conversation with the patient to understand their experience and expectations.
- 2nd Visit – Wax Fit & Shape Sculpting
- A temporary plastic shape made from the impression is fitted in the socket.
- Wax is used to refine the shape for maximum comfort.
- The iris is positioned precisely to match the natural eye.
- Sculpting the shape is a delicate skill developed over years of experience.
- Open communication is crucial — patients must inform us of any pressure or discomfort.
- 3rd Visit – Scleral Colour Matching
- The iris is embedded into the prosthesis.
- The white part (sclera) is tinted to match your natural eye.
- Veins are added using fine red cotton fibres.
- Children usually have a bluish tint; adults may have more ochre tones.
This visit typically takes around 30 minutes.
- 4th Visit – First Fit & Learning to Use the Prosthesis
- The new prosthetic eye is fitted for the first time.
- We teach patients how to insert and remove the prosthesis safely:
- How to lift the upper lid
- How to slide the prosthesis into place
- How to remove it gently without a suction cup
- Suction cups may be demonstrated, but hand techniques are often easier.
- 5th Visit – Final Adjustments
- Small adjustments are made for optimum comfort.
- We schedule a follow-up after one week to ensure the prosthesis settles well.
- Additional visits are encouraged if any discomfort arises.
A well-made prosthetic eye should feel comfortable, stable, and natural.