From the impression of the socket, a wax model is made for the fitting of the final shape.

As the fitting proceeds, the model is shaped to form the lid opening to match the normal eye as closely as possible. Next, the iris cornea piece is set into the model and moved as necessary until the position of the iris is centered to match the companion eye.

Once the shape and centering requirements have been met, the model is cast in a stone mold and duplicated in white plastic.  At this time, the iris piece is also cured into the plastic piece in an oven or curing tank.

Following this procedure, some of the plastic has to be removed to allow for the final painting and scleral tinting. All the details, including the small blood vessels, are then painted to match the natural eye.

After the final surface painting process, the eye is covered with a layer of clear plastic to seal in the artwork and give the eye prosthesis a rounded shape. Once finished, it is ready to be inserted into the socket for a final fitting evaluation.

 Following new surgery, follow-up care is usually needed for one year after delivery of the prosthesis. It often takes many months of healing for the socket tissues to settle and for all of the swelling to subside. Because of this, enlargements are often necessary some months after the original fitting. 

The total time required to make a prosthesis varies with the requirements of each patient, the type of eye being made and the workload of the office. Most fitting are completed in three visits at least one day apart. However, we do offer special two day fitting appointments which should be discussed with the office manager at the time of scheduling your office visits.