FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Will my artificial eye move?

Yes, however, an artificial eye never moves as well as a natural eye. If your implant moves, the movement will be transferred to the artificial eye.

2. Will it hurt when my artificial eye is made?

No. You may feel a little cold or stinging sensation when the alginate is in your socket to make the impression, but this will only last a few minutes.

3. Will my artificial eye last a lifetime? Will it need to be replaced?

No – they will not last a lifetime.  Artificial eyes should be replaced approximately every five years.  The plastic that they are made from starts to break down and more irritation occurs.  Also, subtle changes in the socket necessitate the taking of a new impression.

4. Does insurance cover prosthetic eyes or are they considered cosmetic?

Yes – most insurance companies cover them, as artificial eyes are medically necessary and not cosmetic.

5. Will the artificial eye break?

Depending on the thickness of the artificial eye, it should not break.  Some prosthetic eyes made in Europe are made of glass and break easily.  We use a durable acrylic that will not break easily.

6. How long does it take to make an artificial eye?

Under normal circumstances, your artificial eye can be fit and fabricated the same day.  While other ocularists break the steps up over several days, Bruce Cook Prosthetics completes the artificial eye in just one visit to our office.  Every prosthesis is custom made and hand painted.  No stock pieces are used to begin the process.