What Does an Artificial Eye Look Like? Types, Pictures, and Helpful Information

Custom Artificial Eyes

After eye removal surgery, your doctor might recommend custom artificial eyes. This type of prosthetic eye is created by board-certified ocularists who consider the appearance and intricate details of your other eye during the design process for a customized look.

In the photos below, you’ll see how each custom artificial eye matches and complements the original eye with almost no differences in appearance:

These prosthetic eyes also match the shape of the socket, giving it a comfortable fit.

Corneal Scleral Shells

Corneal scleral shells are made of acrylic material that fits over the surface of your non-sighted eye. Think of them as similar to contact lenses, but they cover and contour to the shape of your socket to match your working eye. Many patients who opt for this type of shell still have the white portion of the eye (sclera) and muscles intact, such as in: 

• Evisceration 
• Phthisis bulbi
• Congenital microphthalmia
• Blind but normal-sized eyes

Similar to custom artificial eyes, the corneal scleral shells are hand-painted with specific details to match your working eye.

Pediatric Prosthetic Eyes

If your child has microphthalmia or experienced eye removal surgery, you’ll find that the process of getting a new prosthetic eye may look different. 

Some children can benefit from graduated conformers to help stretch the socket before having an artificial eye inserted. This process allows the smaller eye to take shape and match the appearance of your child’s working eye. There may be some discomfort during this therapy — but don’t worry! At Carolina Eye Prosthetics, we’re here to guide you and your child along the way.

We hope this guide on what prosthetic eyes look like helps your decision-making process to get a new eye. If you have any questions, we’d love to help! Please schedule a FREE consultation with us today at 1-877-763-9393 or through our contact form.