Care & FAQ
Should I remove my prosthesis to sleep?
No, typically, the prosthesis should remain in place. Not removing it may help you forget that you’re wearing a prosthesis. Very rarely, some individuals need to remove it for sleeping.
How to care for?
We recommend removing the prosthesis four times a year to clean it thoroughly (with the changing seasons) including an annual polishing appointment, which leaves you with three cleanings to do at home.
However, if you have a cold, you might need to remove it for an extra cleaning.
Once removed, we advise cleaning it as in the following video.
A prosthesis removed too frequently can lead to a secretion cycle: the more you remove the prosthesis, the more the socket defends itself by secreting, which can create a vicious circle.
In summary the video shows, repeatedly soaking the prosthesis for five seconds in the warmest TAP water and rubbing it with a paper tissue until the reflection of all surfaces are clearly showing under a bright light. Finally, wash your hands and the prosthesis with dish soap, rinse thoroughly, and reinsert it.
(FR/EN) Seasonal cleaning
(FR/EN) How to remove a prosthesis with a finger
(FR/EN) How to remove a prosthesis with a suction cup
(FR/EN) How to insert an ocular prosthesis
At what age can a child wear a prosthesis?
As soon as the ophthalmologist refers the child or baby to us, we can already start working.
In some rare cases where the socket is very small, it is crucial to start stimulating the growth of the orbit as soon as possible using progressive conformers.
Will people notice that I’m wearing a prosthesis?
It is difficult to generalize; it largely depends on the socket, motility, and aesthetics.
In some clients, barely anything will be visible, and these clients tell us that people around them are not even aware that they are wearing a prosthesis. For others, however, there may be some differences and some aspects that we cannot fix.
For example, the size of the pupil is not variable, and in the presence of a very light iris, there may be a difference depending on lighting conditions. Also, some people will have a sunkeness under the brow that is not symmetrical with the opposite eyelid.
For some, we can improve the appearance, while for others, it may be impossible to fill the entire sunkeness, but the result can still be very natural. During your first meeting with the ocularist, it will already be possible to discuss the achievable results based on your case.
Does an ocular prosthesis move, or will it stay fixed?
The prosthesis is custom-made. We start with an impression, so it will be suited for your socket or the ocular globe over which it is to be fitted. It’s a combination of factors that provide movement. Depending on the case, the client will wear their prosthesis over an implant (to which muscles are attached during surgery), a dermal-fat graft, in a socket without an implant, or on an atrophied eye that is still present. Generally, under the best possible conditions, a prosthesis will move in sync with the companion eye, but its edges on each side will limit extreme movements.You may need to get used to looking directly at your conversation partner or moving your head rather than your eyes to compensate.
Can I still practice sports and activities with my prosthesis?
Yes, of course. We recommend protecting your good eye with polycarbonate protective eyewear according to the activities. Be careful not to lose the prosthesis due to impact. Some prostheses are actually very difficult to remove, thus won’t fall easily.
Can I swim with my prosthesis?
There are no contraindications. Again, some prostheses being more likely to fall out than others, one must be cautious not to lose it in the water. If it’s in a pool, it will be easier to find than at the beach. Some use swimming goggles. Others even wear an older spare prosthesis at the beach.
Is it possible to break it?
The prosthesis is made of acrylic (PMMA), a resistant and very solid polymer. It can fall to the ground without breaking, although surface scratches are possible. Surface marks will be repaired if needed before or during your polishing. Note that a very thin prosthesis is more fragile, depending on the shape.
Can the prosthesis fall out of the socket or turn in the socket?
Yes, it can happen. The way to remove it is to look up while pulling the lower eyelid outward, which means you’ll need to learn to scratch your lower eyelid differently in the opposite direction to avoid recreating this movement unintentionally. The same applies to the possible rotation; the prosthesis can sometimes turn, but rarely without touching it. Often being mostly triangular, it is simply a matter of rotating it until it returns to its natural position (without removing it).
What is the lifespan of a prosthesis?
Currently, the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) reimburses part of the cost every 5 years, but this is not an automatic expiration date. The normal lifespan of a prosthesis is about 5 to 10 years. Your ocularist will assess the situation each time you come in for your check-up and polishing.
Do I need to remove it for an MRI?
Since it is made of acrylic, there is no metal, so it does not interfere with the MRI procedure.
Can I keep my driver’s license even if I am a prosthesis wearer?
Usually yes, the specialist will determine if you can continue driving your vehicle. You will then need to validate with the SAAQ, depending on the license class or type of vehicle.
How long does it take to receive my prosthesis?
Based on experience, we recommend waiting 3 months after surgery for the manufacture of your first prosthesis. Waiting allows for a more appropriate and durable prosthesis. The result will be more than satisfactory, and the wait will be worth it! Initially, we will meet to check your condition, explain the process, and answer your questions. We verify and sometimes change the conformer in place. The manufacturing will start with the impression, giving us the exact copy of your socket curves and contours or ocular globe to be fitted for the fabrication. Starting with the impression is important to us and is part of what distinguishes us. Usually, we see you a few days after the impression, to allow the socket to rest. The fabrication is done in a single day, from 8:30 to 17h. Exceptionally we will take the impression the same day.
Implant and prosthesis, what is the difference?
A nice example of taking an impression? (FR/EN)
Choosing a digital base colour or painting one?
We have a grand collection of wonderful digital irises base colors, but there are times when we will paint a base color.
It is up to the ocularist to decide the best course. Overpainting to reach the right iris colour, as well as tinting and veining of the sclera is always done by hand.
How much does it cost?(Prices 2024-2025 until may first)
The current cost of a prosthesis (subject to change annually) is $2,425 to $2,650 (plus $575 for a trial shell if the eyeball is present and sensitive). Currently, the RAMQ reimburses $1,650. per 5 years. The polishing cost is $110 with a reimbursement of $75 (annually).
Some opt to get their prosthesis polished twice a year. Call us for more information.
And quality?
There is only one quality range for all our prostheses. Everything is custom-made, and we serve each client to achieve the best possible result and maximized satisfaction for all.
