Glass protheses
Glass protheses are produced from cryolite glass (Na6Al2F12-additive). The extremely smooth surface
and the good wettability as a result of human tear material belong to the advantages this material has.
Protheses of this kind are very compatible and can be manufactured during a single consultation.

Plastic protheses
Plastic protheses are made of Plexiglas (PMMA) . The fact that it is breakage resistance is this material's
advantage. However, it is difficult to clean and it is easy to damage the surface. Even scratches that
can hardly be detected can cause irritations in the conjunctiva. Many patients also have problems with
the material: Polymethylmethacrylate is not biologically inert and can lead to inflammations. Manufacturing
plastic protheses is time and cost-intensive.

Care
An artificial eye should be cleaned regularly in cold water. This retains its natural appearance and protects
the eye socket. Stubborn residue that adheres to the protheses consists mainly of dried on tears. This can
be removed by soaking the glass eye prothesis in pure vinegar. The artificial eye should then be rinse again
thoroughly in water.

Plastic protheses should be re-polished every six months by a specialist.

Eye protheses can usually be worn both night and day. If you do not wish to do this, then the artificial eye
should be kept in a jar filled with cotton wool.

Protheses changes
An eye protheses will need to be replaced every 1½ year provided it is carefully cared for and cleaned
regularly. A replacement of the eye protheses is indicated at that time for medical and aesthetic reasons.

A repeat examination is required for every repeat fabrication. We therefore advise you to personally visit
our institute during our surgery hours.

Please avoid wearing a protheses that is too old or one that is even damaged: This can lead to the serious
damaging of your eye socket.

Copyright © 1999 Schweiz. Kunstaugen-Institut, CH-Luzern. Reprinting subject to the permission by the author.