Eye protheses made of glass compared with eye protheses made of plastic material
(PMMA)
     
Plastic eyes
Advantages
 
  • Unbreakable
Disadvantages
  • The bad wettability of the
    material results in the
    destruction of the lachrymal
    film and thus in the effect that
    the surface of the prothesis
    gets dry.
  • Allergic reactions cuold occur.
  • Like many plastic materials,
    PMMA is a soft material
    (in comparison with glass)
    resulting in a rough surface
    after using the prothesis for
    a short time.
  • Long manufacturing time
    (2 to 3 visits to the
    manufacturer).
unworn plastic eye plastic eye worn 1 year
Glass eye
Advantages
 
  • Hard and smooth surface as
    it is fire-polished
  • Good wettability of glass, the
    lachrymal film is not destroyed,
    the surface of the prothesis
    does not get dry.    .
  • Good biological compatibility
    as it consists of inorganic
    material
  • The patient gets his prothesis
    immediately during his first
    visit to the manufacturer
unworn glass eye glass eye worn 1 year
Disadvantages
  • Breakable
Duration of application
The wear resistance of the artificial eye depends on different factors, e.g. the environmental
influence, the condition of the eye socket, the intensity of secretion, insufficient eyelid
closing etc. Any eye prothesis is subject to a natural wear due to the influence of the
decomposing lachrymal fluid. Thanks to the very resistant material the duration of wearing
artifical glass eyes is relatively long. It amounts to 1 to 2 years. But if the person wearing an
eye prothesis is exposed to increased environmental conditions the duration of utilisation
can decrease considerably.
.
Some additional hints
  • A repair on a damaged prothesis is not possible.
  • If the artificial eye breaks to pieces, please keep all pieces as pattern for the
    manufacture of the new prothesis.
  • An optimum adaptation of your prothesis is only possible if you visit the
    manufacturer personally.