Based on historical documents, there is evidence that ocular prostheses began to be created in ancient Egypt. They were made of mummies of gold, covered with an enamel pattern. The first ophthalmic prosthesis appeared in the 18th century and did not differ much in appearance from the modern one.
Creating a vision ocular prosthesis
The first artificial eye to allow light to be perceived was created in Japan. Not just a glass prosthesis, but a whole system of semiconductor elements, the thinnest matrix that projects a picture onto an artificial retina and transmits impulses to the brain.
A person receives the whole perception of the surrounding world through the brain, where impulses with an image come in through the organ of vision. Light enters the artificial retina, creating an electric voltage, a signal enters the brain and a color and volume visual image is formed.
The creation of a vision ocular prosthesis is under development. The signal power is improved and increased, and the chip size is accordingly reduced. But at this stage of development, results have been obtained that allow a blind person to distinguish volumetric objects at close range.
Eye prosthesis
A person who has lost an organ of vision experiences not only physical, but also psychological trauma. Therefore, it is so important to perform prosthetics correctly.
Modern medicine offers two types of artificial eyes: glass and plastic. Dentures are used in case of complete loss of the eyeball, or its subatrophy (a significant reduction in size) when a very thin plastic prosthesis is placed, which is also called the crown.
Dentures are made of glass and plastic. Despite the fact that glass products are heavier and less practical due to the fragility of the material, they have one important advantage - they look livelier. When moistened with a tear, a natural shine appears. Plastic dentures are more practical. They do not beat, it is easier and practically not felt in the cavity. But with prolonged use and careless handling, the plastic becomes scratched and its surface becomes dull. To maintain the prosthesis in good condition, you can use an artificial tear - drops for the eyes.
Dentures can be standard and are selected by an ophthalmologist or are made to order, when the artist reproduces an exact copy of a healthy eye.
Care for the conjunctival cavity and prosthesis
After successful prosthetics, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules for the care of the prosthesis and its cavity.
For the first time after surgery, the pressure that the artificial eye exerts on the conjunctiva causes pain and irritation. But, despite this, it should be worn constantly so that the cavity is well formed.
It is recommended to remove it from the cavity only in order to rinse and release the mucous membrane from the accumulated discharge, in order to avoid the attachment of inflammation. Until the cavity has formed, it is better to carry out the procedure twice a day.
After removing the prosthesis, the conjunctiva should be washed with boiled water and freed from discharge. Then drop eye drops into the conjunctival cavity: 2% solution of boric acid or 0.25% solution of chloramphenicol.
The prosthesis is also washed with boiled water. After which it can be washed with a 0.05% solution of chlorhexidine water.
How to remove and insert a prosthesis?
It is necessary to remove the prosthesis from the cavity while sitting at a table covered with soft material so that it does not break and is not scratched. Carefully pulling the lower eyelid, pry off the artificial eye with a glass rod and pull it out of the cavity.
The prosthesis should be inserted so that the notch on it corresponds to the inner corner of the upper eyelid. First of all, the prosthesis is inserted under the upper eyelid, then behind the lower.
Artificial tear
When using a plastic prosthesis, the conjunctival cavity must be moistened periodically, as poor wetting occurs, and the mucous membrane dries up, which leads to unpleasant sensations, pains and a sensation of sand.
For this purpose, eye drops are best suited: an artificial tear. This drug is used to moisturize the membranes of the eye and is a viscous transparent liquid.
The drug has a protective, softening and moisturizing effect. During the accidental ingestion of microparticles of debris into the prosthetic cavity, the friction of the prosthesis against the mucosa increases and causes unpleasant sensations. Using an artificial tear for the eyes, these troubles can be avoided.
Intraocular Lens (IOL)
Injuries that lead to loss of the organ of vision can lead to other complications. If the lens is damaged, it must be removed. If the condition of the eye allows, IOL is implanted after treatment.
When replacing a damaged eye with an artificial lens, its price will depend on the type of lens and manufacturer. The run-up of pricing policy is from 15,000 to 84,000 rubles.
The use of the latest technology using an artificial lens and an eye prosthesis will allow people who have lost their sight to again feel the joy of life and do what they love. Take care of your eyes and be healthy.