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First Visit
What to expect during your first visit?
During your initial visit, we will focus on understanding your specific needs and concerns and start the process of making your artificial eye. Here's a brief overview of what to anticipate:
Personalized Consultation: We’ll begin by discussing your medical history, the reason for your need for an ocular prosthesis, and address any preliminary questions you may have.
Examination: An in-depth assessment of the eye socket is conducted to determine the most appropriate design for your prosthesis.
Measurement & Fabrication: After taking detailed measurements to ensure an accurate and comfortable fit, we'll initiate the process of creating your artificial eye on-site over the course of several days. This includes customization to match the appearance of your natural eye.
Fitting & Adjustments: During your second visit, once your prosthesis is ready, we'll fit it and make any necessary adjustments to optimize comfort and appearance.
Care Instructions: Before you leave, we'll offer guidance on how to care for your new artificial eye and provide insights on what to expect in the coming days.
Next Steps: We'll outline any subsequent visits or check-ins that might be necessary to ensure long-term satisfaction.
How long will my first appointment last?
Your first appointment duration is tailored to ensure a thorough consultation and the precise fabrication of your artificial eye. Typically, you can expect the appointment to last a few hours. This includes the initial consultation, the examination of your eye socket, and starting process of the creation of your custom prosthesis.
Will a follow-up visit be required?
Yes, a follow-up visit is an essential part of our process. After your initial appointment, our team begins the meticulous work of creating and customizing your prosthesis. During your subsequent visit, we will fit the newly crafted artificial eye, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and appearance. This visit also allows us to assess the health of your eye socket and surrounding tissues. Our commitment is to ensure your complete satisfaction with the prosthesis and to provide the highest standard of care.
How often should I schedule check-ups after receiving a new prosthesis?
For new patients who are wearing a prosthesis for the first time, we recommend scheduling a check-up one month after the initial fitting. This visit allows us to evaluate the eye socket and ensure the prosthesis is functioning well and comfortably. For our existing patients who are already accustomed to wearing a prosthesis, we advise a check-up every six months to maintain optimal fit and health of the eye socket. Regular check-ups are crucial to ensure the continued comfort and effectiveness of your prosthesis.
Will I experience any pain during the creation of my prosthetic eye?
No, the process of creating a prosthetic eye is designed to be as comfortable as possible for the patient. When taking an impression of your socket using alginate, you might feel a brief cold or stinging sensation. However, this sensation is temporary and will only last for a few minutes. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort throughout the entire procedure.
Will I require anesthesia during the procedure?
No, the prosthetic eye fitting process we employ does not necessitate the use of anesthesia. We ensure to prioritize your comfort and safety throughout every step of the procedure.
Where is United Ocular located?
You can find our new office at the familiar location of the former office of Rich Caruso and Eye Prosthetics of Utah. Our address is 7400 Union Park Ave, Suite 102, Midvale, UT 84047. We're conveniently situated to serve you with the same commitment to excellence in ocular prosthetics.
Prosthetics & Care
Will my prosthetic eye have movement?
Yes, a prosthetic eye does have some movement. While it may not move as extensively or naturally as a real eye, the underlying muscles and tissues that remain after the removal of the natural eye can still move. This allows the prosthetic eye to shift in tandem with the movement of the remaining natural eye. The degree of movement can vary from person to person, and it's essential to have realistic expectations. Our team ensures that the prosthetic eye is crafted to fit snugly and comfortably in the socket, optimizing its movement potential.
How often should I remove my artificial eye?
The frequency with which you should remove your artificial eye varies based on individual needs. Generally, we do not recommend removing the prosthesis daily; some people might do so weekly, while others may only remove it for cleaning or periodic check-ups. Always handle your prosthesis with clean hands and follow care instructions diligently.
How long will an artificial eye last?
For adults, a prosthetic eye typically has a lifespan of three to five years. It's important to have it evaluated yearly to ensure it remains in optimal condition and to address any necessary adjustments.
For children, the life span of a prosthetic eye is slightly shorter, generally lasting four to seven years. Given the growth and changes that occur in a child's facial structure, their prosthetic eye should be evaluated more frequently to ensure proper fit and appearance in accordance with their growth patterns.
Regular evaluations are essential to maintain both the aesthetics and the comfort of the prosthetic eye for all wearers.
Please also review the Care instructions located under the Resources menu.
What material are prosthetic eyes made of?
Prosthetic eyes are crafted from medical-grade acrylic, specifically polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This material is favored because of its biocompatibility, durability, and the ability to closely mimic the appearance of a natural eye. While historically, some prosthetic eyes were made from glass, modern prosthetics predominantly use acrylic due to its resilience and ease of maintenance.
How should I care for my artificial eye?
A comprehensive guide in the form of a downloadable PDF detailing the care and maintenance of an artificial eye is available on the "Care" page of our website. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions or concerns about caring for your prosthesis, please don't hesitate to call our office.
How frequently should I have my artificial eye polished?
For optimal care and maintenance, we advise patients to have their artificial eye polished every 6-12 months. Regular polishing helps remove accumulated protein, bacteria, and scratches from the prosthetic surface. Additionally, during these visits, we assess the fit of the prosthesis and examine the condition of the anophthalmic socket to ensure your continued comfort and the prosthetic's optimal performance.
Should I use eye drops with my artificial eye?
Eye drops are primarily recommended for patients who experience discomfort that the drops can help alleviate. They shouldn't be used merely as a precaution or preventative measure. If you're not feeling any discomfort, there's typically no need for drops. However, if you are experiencing discomfort and haven't used eye drops before, it's essential to contact our office. The discomfort might indicate that your artificial eye requires polishing or a fitting adjustment.
Insurance
Are prostheses covered by insurance?
Yes, the majority of insurance companies recognize the medical necessity of artificial eyes and typically provide coverage for new and replacement artificial eyes, scleral shells, twice yearly polishes and adjustments. It's important to review your specific case with your insurance provider before your appointment. Rest assured, we will manage the submission of all insurance claims on your behalf post-appointment.
Do you accept my insurance provider?
United Ocular is a provider for most major insurance companies. However, we recommend checking with us before your appointment to confirm our current participation with your specific insurance plan. This will help ensure a smooth and accurate billing process for your ocular prosthetic services.