A cosmetic shell prosthesis, also known as a scleral shell, is a thin artificial covering designed to be fitted over a damaged, disfigured or shrunken eye. Cosmetic shells are used when the natural eye is still present but has a distorted appearance due to things such as trauma, infection, corneal scarring, congenital eye conditions, phthisis bulbi, or other ocular diseases, unlike a complete artificial eye.
The appearance of the eye can cause social discomfort in many patients with a blind or cosmetically affected eye. A cosmetic shell prosthesis is used to improve the appearance of the face with a natural looking prosthetic shell that closely resembles the healthy eye covering the damaged eye.
At Reform Vision Artificial Eye Services, cosmetic shell prosthesis is designed following a careful assessment of the eye status, shape of the cornea, eyelid position and socket anatomy. Each shell is chosen or custom made to match the patient’s fellow eye as closely as possible in iris color, scleral shade, contour and blood vessel pattern.
These shells are typically very thin and light, allowing for more comfortable everyday wear. The shell often moves with the existing eye movements, as the natural eye is still underneath; it gives a more natural appearance than some conventional prosthesis.
Commonly used in: Cosmetic shell prostheses
A cosmetic shell can be beneficial in that it can improve the appearance without removing the natural eye in selected cases. A good fit is important, because a shell that is not the right fit can cause redness, watering, irritation or discomfort. The shell thickness and curvature are carefully designed to maximize eyelid closure, cosmetic symmetry and comfort in use.
It may take some time to get used to it at first, especially if they have not worn a shell prosthesis before. During the adaptation period there may be some mild watering or awareness of the shell but this usually resolves with continued use and an appropriate fitting.
Cosmetic shell prosthesis advantages are:
Proper cleaning and follow-up visits at regular intervals are important to maintain comfort and eye health. Over time deposits can build up on the surface so periodic polishing and professional maintenance help keep the shell smooth and comfortable.
At Reform Vision, patients are taught how to insert, remove, clean, lubricate and maintain the cosmetic shell prosthesis over the long term. The goal is to achieve a realistic appearance with maximum comfort and health of the underlying eye tissues preserved.