Surgery Center

Artificial Eyes

History of Artificial Eyes

History is unclear about where the craft of making artificial eyes began. Artificial eyes have been made of wood, porcelain, stone and gold found in Egyptian mummies. There is some evidence that Venetian glassmakers started crafting glass eyes, as we know them today.

In the 19th century, German glass eye makers set up shop in the United States. They traveled throughout the country, setting up shop in a city for a number of days before moving on. 
Glass eyes have also been fit out of "stock." A patient may have sent away via mail order or a doctor may have kept drawers of artificial eye stock on hand. The best fit and color match was determined from hundreds of choices.

Plastic artificial eyes, as we know them today, began to be made in the United States during World War II. Because German glass eye makers were not coming into this country at that time, an alternative was needed. 

It is believed that, ironically, a German, Fritz Jardon, in conjunction with American Optical Company, worked with the Army and Navy to develop the acrylic ocular prosthetic. The acrylic, known as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), is used because of its outstanding optical qualities. It is the same material from which old "hard" contact lenses were made. It is durable and has a long life.

Plastic eyes have many advantages. The most important is the ability to impression fit the eye.
Plastic eyes can be polished, removing any buildup or debris accumulated on the eye.

Many patients still refer to their artificial eye as a "glass" eye.  However, in truth, very few eyes today are made of glass. Most artificial eyes are PMMA. 

Artificial Eyes Today

Artificial eyes are used in a patient following enucleation surgery. In an enucleation, the eye is removed and an implant is put in its place, with tissue being closed over the implant. Fitting an artificial eye can begin approximately 6-8 weeks following surgery.

Step 1: To begin making a custom prosthesis, a mold of the eye socket is made. A tray is placed under the lids and a molding agent is injected into the tray. Once set, the mold is removed from the socket.

Step 2:  A wax shape is made to try in the socket. Wax is used because it can be easily changed and carved or added to quickly. The goal is lid symmetry.

Step 3:  Once the wax shape is completed, prosthesis fabrication begins. A stone mold is cast from the wax shape. The stone mold holds the plastic for the prosthesis during the curing process.

Step 4:  A "painting shell"(a prosthesis left with the clear cover unattached) is made. The prosthesis can be put together and tried on the patient. 

The color is evaluated. If the color needs to be enhanced, the clear cover is removed and the color touched up. All custom prosthetics are hand painted to achieve the best color match.

Step 5:  Once the color has been completed, a prosthesis is then covered in a clear layer of plastic, polished and is then ready for delivery to the patient.

Please email mbain@anderseneye.com for more information.