Accurate positioning of the iris is critical for the success of an ocular prosthesis. Precise duplication of size and location of the iris is essential for the establishment of realism, symmetry, and a natural-appearing gaze. This article explores an alternative procedure for positioning the iris in a custom-made ocular prosthesis using a pupillary distance ruler (PD ruler). The orientation and mediolateral dimension of the iris of the natural eye was measured from the graduated scale on a PD ruler and transferred on to the sculpted scleral wax pattern. The iris button was positioned in the marked area, and the established orientation was evaluated for symmetry and a natural-appearing gaze. Accurate, predictable, and easy positioning of the iris with the transfer of these dimensions to the definitive prosthesis provided a good result in terms of patient esthetics and satisfaction.
Keywords: Iris; ocular prosthesis; pupillary distance; scleral blank.
© 2017 by the American College of Prosthodontists.