Customizing a Cryolite Glass Prosthetic Eye

J Vis Exp. 2019 Oct 31:(152). doi: 10.3791/60016.

Abstract

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, over 90% of ocularists still manufacture customized prostheses using cryolite glass from Thuringia. The present manuscript demonstrates this long-forgotten technique in detail. This manuscript shows some major advantages of manufacturing prosthetic eyes using cryolite glass in comparison to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). These advantages include a lighter weight of the prosthesis, higher levels of patient satisfaction, and only one appointment necessary for the customized manufacturing. Potential risk of breakage seems not to be a critical disadvantage for glass prosthetic eye wearers. However, in some patients, manufacturing a well-fitting prosthetic eye is not possible or reasonable due to anophthalmic socket complications such as post nucleation socket syndrome, scarred fornices, or an orbital implant exposure. This article gives ophthalmologists a better insight into ocularistic care in order to improve the essential interprofessional collaboration between ocularists and ophthalmologists.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Eye Enucleation
  • Eye, Artificial*
  • Glass / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Prosthesis Implantation
  • Sodium Fluoride / pharmacology*

Substances

  • cryolite
  • Sodium Fluoride