Question 1

What to expect during your first visit?

Accepted Answer

During your initial visit, we will focus on understanding your specific needs and concerns and start the process of making your artificial eye. Here’s a brief overview of what to anticipate: Personalized Consultation: We’ll begin by discussing your medical history, the reason for your need for an ocular prosthesis, and address any preliminary questions you may have. Examination: An in-depth assessment of the eye socket is conducted to determine the most appropriate design for your prosthesis. Measurement & Fabrication: After taking detailed measurements to ensure an accurate and comfortable fit, we’ll initiate the process of creating your artificial eye on-site over the course of several days. This includes customization to match the appearance of your natural eye. Fitting & Adjustments: During your second visit, once your prosthesis is ready, we’ll fit it and make any necessary adjustments to optimize comfort and appearance. Care Instructions: Before you leave, we’ll offer guidance on how to care for your new artificial eye and provide insights on what to expect in the coming days. Next Steps: We’ll outline any subsequent visits or check-ins that might be necessary to ensure long-term satisfaction.

Question 2

How long will my first appointment last?

Accepted Answer

Your first appointment duration is tailored to ensure a thorough consultation and the precise fabrication of your artificial eye. Typically, you can expect the appointment to last a few hours. This includes the initial consultation, the examination of your eye socket, and starting process of the creation of your custom prosthesis.

Question 3

Will a follow-up visit be required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a follow-up visit is an essential part of our process. After your initial appointment, our team begins the meticulous work of creating and customizing your prosthesis. During your subsequent visit, we will fit the newly crafted artificial eye, making any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal comfort and appearance. This visit also allows us to assess the health of your eye socket and surrounding tissues. Our commitment is to ensure your complete satisfaction with the prosthesis and to provide the highest standard of care.

Question 4

How often should I schedule check-ups after receiving a new prosthesis?

Accepted Answer

For new patients who are wearing a prosthesis for the first time, we recommend scheduling a check-up one month after the initial fitting. This visit allows us to evaluate the eye socket and ensure the prosthesis is functioning well and comfortably. For our existing patients who are already accustomed to wearing a prosthesis, we advise a check-up every six months to maintain optimal fit and health of the eye socket. Regular check-ups are crucial to ensure the continued comfort and effectiveness of your prosthesis.

Question 5

Will I experience any pain during the creation of my prosthetic eye?

Accepted Answer

No, the process of creating a prosthetic eye is designed to be as comfortable as possible for the patient. When taking an impression of your socket using alginate, you might feel a brief cold or stinging sensation. However, this sensation is temporary and will only last for a few minutes. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort throughout the entire procedure.

Question 6

Will I require anesthesia during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

No, the prosthetic eye fitting process we employ does not necessitate the use of anesthesia. We ensure to prioritize your comfort and safety throughout every step of the procedure.

Question 7

Where is United Ocular Utah located?

Accepted Answer

You’ll find our Utah office at the familiar location of Rich Caruso’s former practice, Eye Prosthetics of Utah, at 7400 S Union Park Ave, Suite 102, Midvale, UT 84047. We’re conveniently situated to serve you with the same commitment to excellence in ocular prosthetics.

Question 8

Where is United Ocular Kansas located?

Accepted Answer

Our Kansas office operates out of the former practice of Glenn Reams Ocularist and Harold “Bud” Turntine of Turntine Ocular Prosthetics, at 6342 Long Ave # H, Shawnee, KS 66216. We’re proud to continue their legacy of trusted, personalized ocular prosthetic care.

Question 9

Where is United Ocular Indiana located?

Accepted Answer

United Ocular sees patients in Evansville at the shared visiting-clinic office of The Eye Group, located at 1020 W Buena Vista Rd, Evansville, IN 47710. This is a visiting location — our ocularist travels to Evansville periodically, by appointment only. Call (888) 879-1102 to arrange a visit.

Question 10

Will my prosthetic eye have movement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a prosthetic eye does have some movement. While it may not move as extensively or naturally as a real eye, the underlying muscles and tissues that remain after the removal of the natural eye can still move. This allows the prosthetic eye to shift in tandem with the movement of the remaining natural eye. The degree of movement can vary from person to person, and it’s essential to have realistic expectations. Our team ensures that the prosthetic eye is crafted to fit snugly and comfortably in the socket, optimizing its movement potential.

Question 11

How often should I remove my artificial eye?

Accepted Answer

The frequency with which you should remove your artificial eye varies based on individual needs. Generally, we do not recommend removing the prosthesis daily; some people might do so weekly, while others may only remove it for cleaning or periodic check-ups. Always handle your prosthesis with clean hands and follow care instructions diligently.

Question 12

How long will an artificial eye last?

Accepted Answer

For adults, a prosthetic eye typically has a lifespan of three to five years. It’s important to have it evaluated yearly to ensure it remains in optimal condition and to address any necessary adjustments. For children, the life span of a prosthetic eye is slightly shorter, generally lasting four to seven years. Given the growth and changes that occur in a child’s facial structure, their prosthetic eye should be evaluated more frequently to ensure proper fit and appearance in accordance with their growth patterns. Regular evaluations are essential to maintain both the aesthetics and the comfort of the prosthetic eye for all wearers. Please also review the Care instructions located under the Resources menu.

Question 13

What material are prosthetic eyes made of?

Accepted Answer

Prosthetic eyes are crafted from medical-grade acrylic, specifically polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). This material is favored because of its biocompatibility, durability, and the ability to closely mimic the appearance of a natural eye. While historically, some prosthetic eyes were made from glass, modern prosthetics predominantly use acrylic due to its resilience and ease of maintenance.

Question 14

How should I care for my artificial eye?

Accepted Answer

A comprehensive guide in the form of a downloadable PDF detailing the care and maintenance of an artificial eye is available on the "Care" page of our website. In the meantime, if you have any specific questions or concerns about caring for your prosthesis, please don’t hesitate to call our office.

Question 15

How frequently should I have my artificial eye polished?

Accepted Answer

For optimal care and maintenance, we advise patients to have their artificial eye polished every 6-12 months. Regular polishing helps remove accumulated protein, bacteria, and scratches from the prosthetic surface. Additionally, during these visits, we assess the fit of the prosthesis and examine the condition of the anophthalmic socket to ensure your continued comfort and the prosthetic’s optimal performance.

Question 16

Should I use eye drops with my artificial eye?

Accepted Answer

Eye drops are primarily recommended for patients who experience discomfort that the drops can help alleviate. They shouldn’t be used merely as a precaution or preventative measure. If you’re not feeling any discomfort, there’s typically no need for drops. However, if you are experiencing discomfort and haven’t used eye drops before, it’s essential to contact our office. The discomfort might indicate that your artificial eye requires polishing or a fitting adjustment.

Question 17

Do you accept insurance at United Ocular Utah?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Utah location is contracted with several major insurance companies, and we also work with Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits. Because coverage varies from plan to plan, we recommend calling us at (888) 879-1102 before your visit so we can verify your specific benefits. Even if we're not in-network with your plan, you may still have out-of-network coverage worth checking — and our team will submit all insurance claims on your behalf after your appointment.

Question 18

Do you accept insurance at United Ocular Kansas?

Accepted Answer

Our Kansas location welcomes Medicare patients as a non-participating provider. This means we still care for Medicare patients and will file your claims for you, though as a non-participating provider our billing works a little differently than an in-network office — payment may be handled through reimbursement, and we're happy to walk you through what to expect before your visit. At this time, our Kansas location does not accept Medicaid or commercial insurance plans. If you're unsure how your coverage applies, please call us at (888) 879-1102 and we'll help you understand your options.

Question 19

Are prostheses covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most insurance companies recognize the medical necessity of artificial eyes and typically provide coverage for new and replacement artificial eyes, scleral shells, and twice-yearly polishes and adjustments. Even when we are not in-network with your provider, it’s worth verifying your benefits — you may still have coverage. We recommend reviewing your specific plan with your insurance provider before your appointment.

Question 20

Will you help with claims?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our billing team manages the submission of all insurance claims on your behalf after your appointment.

Question 21

Do you offer financing?

Accepted Answer

Yes — CareCredit financing is available.

Frequently asked questions

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