toll free: 0800 OPTICS (678427)
email: info@artificialeyes.co.nz

Working with the plastic eye is obviously less expensive and less painful for the patient than surgery, so the first step
in addressing post enucleation socket syndrome (PESS) is to update the prosthesis. This may be done by modifying
the existing prosthesis or by replacing it.


Prosthetic technique PESS

When as much as possible has been accomplished by the prosthetist, the eye surgeon can use the updated eye as
a baseline from which to assess and measure further corrections. It is often necessary for the patient to be referred
back to the prosthetist for final modification of the artificial eye following socket surgery.

 

The object is to create a prosthesis with a shape that increases the height of the upper lid, corrects the direction of
gaze and takes pressure off the lower eyelid. The size of the prosthesis is increased by bringing the iris/corneal unit
bodily forward and angling it to ensure a level gaze. The anterior surface is then made as conical as possible. This
reduces bulk and lightens the prosthesis, and at the same time, wedges the eyelids apart and increases the opening.