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Prosthetic Eye Plastic Surgery

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After eye removal surgery, many patients choose a prosthetic eye (sometimes called a glass or synthetic eye) to restore a natural appearance and protect the eye socket. At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System, our oculofacial plastic surgeons and on-site ocularist work together to provide safe, comfortable, and natural-looking results.

A prosthetic eye is a custom-made acrylic shell that closely resembles your natural eye. Details such as iris color, pupil size, and even fine blood vessels are carefully painted to create a realistic look. Most people find that others cannot tell the difference between their prosthetic and their natural eye.

Who Is a Candidate?

Anyone who has undergone eye removal surgery may be a candidate for a prosthetic eye. Most patients choose this option to feel more comfortable with their appearance and to support healthy socket healing.

What to Expect

Orbital Implant Placement

At the time of surgery, your surgeon places an orbital implant (a small sphere) deep into the socket to replace lost volume. These implants are typically made of porous polyethylene, hydroxyapatite, or acrylic plastic. The eye muscles may be attached to the implant to allow for natural movement.

Prosthetic Fitting

About five weeks after surgery, once swelling has resolved, our on-site ocularist takes an impression of your socket. The prosthetic eye is then hand-painted to match your natural eye. This process usually takes several days.

Long-Term Care

Because the socket can change over time, adjustments may be needed weeks, months, or even years later. Most patients need a new prosthesis every five years as materials naturally wear down.

  • Regular follow-up with your ocularist and oculofacial surgeon every six months is essential for cleaning, polishing, and checking socket health.
  • With proper care, patients enjoy a comfortable fit and excellent cosmetic results for many years.

Addressing Socket Problems

Some patients may experience complications after eye removal, such as:

  • Drooping of the lower eyelid
  • Hollow or sunken appearance
  • Scarring inside the socket that makes wearing a prosthesis difficult

Our surgeons offer reconstructive procedures to correct these issues, restore comfort, and achieve a pleasing, natural look.

Why Choose Bascom Palmer Eye Institute?

Ranked #1 in the Nation

  • Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as America’s top eye care facility.

Expert Surgical and Prosthetic Care

  • Our surgeons are fellowship-trained in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and we have an ocularist on-site to design, fit, and maintain prosthetic eyes.

Compassionate Support

  • We understand this journey is both medical and emotional. Our team provides not only expert care but also reassurance and guidance every step of the way.

FAQ

What is a prosthetic eye?
It’s a custom artificial shell that fits over an implant after eye removal, mimicking the real eye’s movement and look. Made from acrylic, painted to match your other eye for natural appearance.
After enucleation (eye removal) for cancer, injury, or painful blind eyes. The surgery implants a sphere in the socket, then fits the prosthesis weeks later.
An ocularist measures and crafts it for comfort/movement. Clean daily with mild soap, remove nightly for soaking. Adjustments every 6-12 months as socket changes.
Surgery is under anesthesia; post-op soreness fades in days. Prosthesis insertion is painless. Full adaptation takes weeks, with counseling for emotional adjustment.
No, it’s cosmetic—vision comes from the other eye or aids. It restores facial symmetry, boosting confidence. Binocular implants are possible if both eyes are affected.

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