The question “Can prosthetic eyes move?”  is a common question asked by people considering an ocular prosthetic. Although prosthetic eyes themselves do not have the capabilities to independently move like natural eyes, it is important to note that technology has made many improvements to ocular prosthetics. This, along with advanced surgical techniques, has made it possible for artificial eyes to mimic natural eye movements.

This article will focus on how prosthetic eyes work, what movements they are capable of, and what you can expect from your prosthetic eye.

How Prosthetic Eyes Work

A prosthetic eye, or ocular prosthesis, is an artificial eye designed to look like a natural eye. It fits over an ocular implant and is custom-made to match the look and appearance of your remaining natural eye and is unique just to you. The implant is surgically inserted into the eye socket and eye muscles are attached to it. The prosthetic eye can then move in conjunction with the natural eye.

The Extent of Movement

Although independent movement is impossible with a prosthetic eye, the ocular muscles that surround it have some influence on the positioning of the artificial eye. The movement of a prosthetic eye depends mostly on the specifics of the surgical procedure performed and the condition of the ocular muscles and the eye socket.

Enucleation and Evisceration:

• Enucleation: This procedure removes the complete eyeball and is replaced by an implant installed in the empty eye socket. The implant is then connected to ocular muscles. This results in eye movements that occur in conjunction with the natural eye.
• Evisceration: This procedure removes the eye contents but leaves the sclera (the white part) untouched. The implant goes inside the sclera which permits more natural movement of the artificial eye. This is possible as the existing ocular muscle structure is mostly unchanged.

Muscle Attachment:

• The ocular implant, situated behind the prosthetic eye, is attached to eye muscles. As these muscles contract and relax, they cause the implant to move which also moves the prosthetic eye. Although these movements are not as extensive or coordinated than those of a natural eye, they are somewhat in sync which replicates natural eye movement to some extent.

Factors That Influence Prosthetic Eye Movement

Several factors impact how well a prosthetic eye can move. They include:

• Type of Implant: Your doctor will advise the most suitable for you.
• Surgical Technique: The range and smoothness of movement of the implant is also influenced by the precision of the ocular muscle attachment. Surgeons attempt to maximise functionality with extensive muscle attachment, if possible.
• Healing and Adaption: The importance of post-surgery healing and adaption cannot be downplayed. Ocular muscles must adjust to the sensation of the new implant once the swelling subsides.

Realistic Expectations

Although there have been massive advancements in ocular prosthetics thanks to technology, and this has heavily influenced the functionality and appearance of artificial eyes, it is still vital to maintain realistic expectations. A prosthetic eye can provide some movement, depending on the type of prosthetic and surgery performed. However, that movement will not be as extensive or fluid as that of a natural eye. Still, the possibility exists that with a properly fitted artificial eye, there will be enough movement to resemble a natural eye in more than just appearance.

Conclusion

The answer to the question “Can prosthetic eyes move?” is yes, but there are factors that impact the extent of that movement. They are related to the attached ocular muscles and the type of implant used. Remember, artificial eyes are designed to offer the appearance of a natural eye and combined with movement, help individuals with prosthetic eyes to feel more confident and comfortable in their situation.

At James H. Morphett, we are dedicated to providing you with a prosthetic eye that looks natural and helps you to feel your best. Trust us to deliver unmatched aesthetic precision and comprehensive care for all your prosthetic eye needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can help.