How to Recognize a Fake Eye

Most ocular replacement eyes are made from plastic.

According to the American Society of Ocularists, eye replacements today are more natural looking and comfortable than glass versions. Developments in ocular technologies have been embraced since patients seek normal-appearing, comfortable and affordable eye replacements. An eye prosthesis often has customized details such as veining, coloring and orbital mobility.

Instructions

1. Check if the person's eyes blink simultaneously. A person with a replacement eye may not blink as frequently in one eye because of dryness of the socket.

2. Check if the upper lid of one of the eye sockets droops. A person with a replacement eye may suffer from muscle loss or damage, which can cause the skin to sink or droop around the socket.

3. Observe if both eyes move with the head, or if one eye moves more slowly than the other. Even when using a prosthesis that attaches to the socket with a peg to enable eye mobility, it is possible movement may not be congruous with the natural eye.

4. Check if both pupils dilate in the dark or shrink in bright light. An eye prosthesis will do neither.

5. Ask the person about his or her eyes. Kolberg Custom Artificial Eyes online patient forum responses suggest that patients prefer to be asked questions than for others to stare.

Tips & Warnings

• People using a replacement eye may wear glasses to minimize incongruities between the artificial eye and the natural eye.

• Treat people with an ocular replacement eye as you would treat anyone else. Use of an eye prosthesis does not prohibit activities such as reading, writing, using a computer, driving a car or flying an airplane.

References

• "Lost Eye: Coping with Monocular Vision"; Jay Adkisson; 2006
• American Society of Ocularists: Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

• Artificial Eye: Information and Patient Support