An integrated technique for the fabrication of a custom made ocular prosthesis for rehabilitating a patient with an acquired eye defect

Several ocular and orbital diseases require surgical intervention that may result in ocular defects. These defects affect psychological, functional and social aspects of the patient. Management and rehabilitation of anocular defect patient is a challenging task both clinically and technically. Stock acrylic ocular shells may be trimmed and fitted as one of the treatment options, but the results are not entirely satisfactory. Custom made ocular prosthesis helps in attaining the exact color, contour, size, ocular orientation that provides realism, symmetry and also enhances the psychological and social well-being of the patient. The role of the maxillofacial prosthodontist in fabricating a customized ocular prosthesis with acceptable esthetics to restore facial symmetry and normal appearance for the anophthalmic patient is indispensable. This article describes a novel approach for fabrication of customized ocular prosthesis using the advantages of digital photography.