Pediatric ocular prosthesis is a specialized artificial eye rehabilitation for infants and children who have lost an eye due to congenital eye conditions, trauma, infection, retinoblastoma or surgical eye removal. In addition to restoring appearance, early prosthetic rehabilitation plays an important role in supporting normal growth of the eye socket and surrounding facial bones during childhood.
Facial asymmetry may occur in children born with absent or underdeveloped eyes or those who undergo eye removal surgery at an early age if socket expansion and prosthetic management are not done at the appropriate time. A well-fitted ocular prosthesis helps in maintaining the shape of the socket, supports development of the eyelids and helps in achieving better facial balance as the child grows.
Reform Vision is specialized in the comfort, safety, durability and natural appearance of pediatric artificial eyes. A careful evaluation of each child is done to understand the socket condition, eyelid anatomy, changes related to the growth with age and cosmetic requirements before planning the prosthetic fitting.
Children require a different approach than adults as the orbital tissues and facial structures are still developing during the growing years. Therefore, frequent prosthetic modifications, socket expansion, polishing and replacement are often needed to maintain a proper fit and support normal orbital growth.
Pediatric ocular prosthesis may be recommended in children in:
The fitting process in children is done gently and in a child-friendly way to minimize anxiety and increase cooperation during rehabilitation. Parents are taught at all stages regarding insertion, removal, cleaning, lubrication, and routine care of the prosthesis in the home.
Some children may also need time to get used to the prosthesis, but regular use often results in improved comfort and acceptance. Follow-up visits are very important in pediatric patients, as socket size and facial growth changes occur continuously during childhood.
Proper maintenance and regular review, help reduce irritation discharge and fitting problems. In many children, as they grow, the prosthesis must periodically be enlarged or replaced to maintain comfort and cosmetic balance.
The focus at Reform Vision Artificial Eye Services is not just on making a natural looking artificial eye but also on providing long term support and compassionate care for the child and family throughout the rehabilitation process.