Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Patient with Ocular Defect using Acrylic Stock Eyes

Abstract

The science and art employed in the profession of dentistry can play an important role in the fabrication of an orbital prosthesis. Anophthalmia (the loss of an eye) not only impairs patient's vision but also create a noticeable deformity on facial appearance and esthetics. The condition is a psychological distress for the patient interrupting his routine work. A prosthodontist as an integral member of the craniofacial rehabilitation team can help raise the spirits and ease the mind of the affected. Mutilation of a portion of a face can cause a heavy impact on the self image and personality of an individual. Acceptable cosmetic results usually can be obtained with a orbital prosthesis. This paper describes prosthetic rehabilitation of a 30-year-old female patient having a left and right ocular defect. A technique to modify stock eye with heat polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate is illustrated. The resultant prosthesis was structurally durable and esthetically acceptable with satisfactory retention. The importance of meticulous treatment planning to tackle the challenges faced in fabricating an ocular prosthesis is explained with the relevant literature.