Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information:
What will I look like following surgery? Will I have a hole where my eye was?
With the eyelids closed, your appearance will be unchanged. When your lids are open, you will see conjunctiva covered by a conformer. Conjunctiva is the pink tissue resembling the mucous membrane inside your mouth. This tissue covers the ball implant which has been implanted in the socket, filling the space created by removal of the eye.
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What is the conformer? What do I do if the conformer comes out?
The conformer is a triangular-shaped plastic shell with a central hole and an apex and a base. It will keep the shape of your eyelids until you get your prosthesis. If the conformer does come out, you can put it back in. First wash the conformer under running water. Then point the apex towards the nose, slide the conformer under the upper lid, pull down the lower lid and blink. The conformer will go back into place.
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How do I clean my socket?
Special care must be taken with the socket until healing is complete. In the immediate time period after your surgery, the closed eyelid should be wiped gently with a cotton ball moistened with the sterile eye solution given to you when you are discharged; drops or ointment may also be prescribed. This helps to keep the socket free from infection. The healing process usually takes about two to four weeks.
When you receive your ocular prosthesis, you may wash your face normally. When you remove your prosthesis to clean it, wash it under running water. Never use anything else, because it will damage the smooth surface. The ocularist will review the care of your prosthesis with you.
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When will I get my prosthesis?
In two to six weeks after your surgery you will be fitted with a temporary prosthesis at the ocularist's office. On your second visit, approximately three weeks later, you will be fitted and receive your permanent prosthesis.
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Will my prosthesis look like my other eye?
Yes, the prosthesis looks very natural. The color and appearance are made to match your other eye. The pupil will be of normal size, but will not grow larger and smaller in response to light as it does in the normal eye.
If you have received a hydroxyapatite orbital implant the prosthesis will also be able to move in conjunction with your other eye.
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Where will I get my prosthesis, and what will it cost?
You will be referred to a certified ocularist, a professionally trained person who will make your prosthesis. The price is about $1,500, and is covered by many insurance policies. If you need financial assistance, there are several organizations to assist you. Please ask your doctor or ocularist about such assistance.
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What will I wear between going home and getting my prosthesis?
The conformer will remain in place under the lids. An eye patch will cover the eye. Dark glasses may also be worn.
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Will I be able to do everything I did before?
Yes, although you will have to make a few adjustments. You will not have good depth perception or have a full binocular field of peripheral vision.
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What special adjustments will I have to make?
Use head movements as fully as possible to compensate for the lack of depth perception and decreased peripheral vision. You have to develop a habit of looking around before you "leap." Learn to use your nose as a pointer.
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Do I need to wear eyeglasses?
Your doctor may advise you to wear glasses as an added protection for your good eye.
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May I wear makeup?
Yes.
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Will I be able to drive?
Yes, you can learn or continue to drive. Licensing standards vary from state to state; however, all 50 states and the District of Columbia license drivers with one eye who pass their eye test.
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May I go swimming?
Yes, you may go swimming, although goggles or a mask are a good idea. If water skiing or diving, remove your prosthesis first, since it may become dislodged on impact.
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Is it normal to have mucous or other discharge?
Yes, most people experience a normal amount of mucous discharge. If the amount increases or changes in color, consistency or develops an odor, then you need to see your ophthalmologist right away to check for any signs of infection.
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