Refitting

After surgery to remove your eye, the United Ocular specialists in Midvale, Utah, create an artificial eye (ocular prosthesis) or scleral cover shell to restore your appearance. Over time, the tissues around your eye change, affecting how the prosthetic fits over your eye — a problem they can resolve in the office with specialized refitting services. If your ocular prosthesis causes discomfort or you notice it shifts, don’t wait to contact United Ocular. Call or use online booking to request a refitting appointment.

What is refitting for prosthetic eyes?

Refitting is a service for people with ocular prostheses like an artificial eye or scleral cover shell. When you get an ocular prosthesis, your United Ocular provider customizes it to fit your unique eye socket. 

However, the eye socket changes shape naturally over time, and your prosthesis loses its fit. Your provider can correct this problem by refitting it.

During a refitting, your provider may remove part of the prosthesis to reduce its size or add material to enlarge it. When extensive changes occur, they may recommend a new artificial eye or scleral cover shell. 

Why would I need refitting for my eye prosthesis?

Time, gravity, fat loss, and tissue stretching change the eye socket’s shape, but the prosthesis may also change over time. Either way, your artificial eye or scleral cover shell no longer fits properly. Children need frequent refittings as growth spurts change the shape of the eye socket.

Other changes can also affect the fit. For example, the eye socket tissues may develop scarring and tighten. Or, changes in the eye socket may cause the implant supporting your artificial eye to move, requiring surgery to replace or reposition the implant.

How will I know if I need a refitting?

An ill-fitting eye prosthesis may feel uncomfortable. You may be able to tell if the eye doesn’t fit as well because it may feel like it moves or slips.

You could develop symptoms such as the following:

• Drainage
• Dryness
• Discomfort
• Itchiness
• Eyelid drooping
• Tilted or sunken prosthetic

You could also have recurrent infections in your eyes or throughout your body.

How often will I need refitting?

There’s no way to predict how often your ocular prosthesis may need refitting. That’s why everyone with an artificial eye or scleral cover shell should schedule regular exams at United Ocular. 

Most people need six-month or yearly checkups, but your provider may recommend more frequent visits. 

Your provider cleans, polishes, and resurfaces your prosthesis at each checkup to keep it in the best condition and prolong its life. They also carefully evaluate the tissues supporting your eye to detect early signs of changes.

Do you have questions about your ocular prosthesis? Don’t hesitate to call United Ocular or connect online to request an appointment.