What is a Prosthesis?

A prosthesis is an artificial substitute for a missing, disfigured, or malformed part of the face or body. Each prosthesis is custom-made for the individual patient.

Makers of prosthetic devices have various educational backgrounds and different professional titles. An ocularist specializes in the making of ocular (eye) prostheses while an anaplastologist specializes in the making of facial or other body prosthetics.

The desired goal of a prosthesis is to restore form and function. Being a medically necessary procedure, prosthesis helps to protect exposed delicate tissues, cover exposed cavities, provide support for eyeglasses or hearing aids, and restore normal appearance. A prosthesis should replicate missing anatomy as closely as possible resulting in a natural and lifelike appearance. A well-made prosthesis can facilitate the return of an individual to most of their normal activities and eliminate the need for bandages and patches. It can help to restore self-confidence and ease the anxiety one might experience in a public setting. Because the prosthesis is not living tissue, there are some obvious limitations. For example, the prosthesis may not restore normal movement, it does not blush nor tan, and it must be removed for cleaning. Even a well-made prosthesis may be detectable under close observation.

Ocular Prosthetics

An ocular prosthesis is a plastic prosthesis used when an eye is missing or surgically removed.

Scleral Shells

A scleral shell fits flush over the existing atrophied eye that does not cause pain.