Molding Artificial Eyes
What are artificial eyes, to understand that an eye that looks like a normal eye, and in order to make a normal eye for patients who have lost an eye is not a simple task. The few guide lines are size and shape. Understanding this is the fundamental importance before molding should take place. Some times it’s easier to size an eye from the ready made ones (Box Eyes). Because the color is already set, only matter is the size.
This process need varieties to choose from never the less its cost and time may be lesser compared to molding. But the stocks for the artificial eyes need to be ample. It may cost a little bit but its returns are not worth while on the long run it creates defects.
To cut short the process its easier to crave an eye based on an impression, impressions can be of two types, impression of an earlier made eye, or new impression based on the present size of socket. In process one, unless the previous used artificial eye is well fitting may be old in quality, it can be molded back as new again. The techniques will be discussed in detail in the on coming pages. But in the event there is a socket change in size the current eye (Prosthesis) need to be corrected first and refitted for perfect size. This adjustment can be done directly with the liquids and powder of acrylic. The proper scientific names are given in the index page. The two types of the acrylic are known as “heat cure” and “cold cure”. For immediate repairs cold cure acrylic is used, though this is not highly recommended due the reliability as it’s very fragile. Using the cold cure chemicals repairs can be made and adjusted but this adjustment is not to be considered the finish product. A re mold of it should be taken and molded again in the heat cure acrylic which is mush safer and stronger. The other process of reshaping the older prosthesis is by wax.
Using modeling wax which comes in sheets is gently warmed over fire and can be added to the shape and further thickness. It is safe to use for a short period of time, yet wax causes no harm, pain or discomfort and easy to shape and construct. Once having constructed the new shape and size, a second confirmation is necessary, in order to do this the newly constructed eye must be worn again by the user to reconfirm the thickness and size. Once this done, it is now ready for molding. The precise method before molding is to take place, plaster cine placed over the eyeball (cornea) this is to make sure that during molding the centering of the cornea is again in the right position.
Once this is done it confirms that the prosthesis is ready for the blocking process. Blocking is the process made either in plaster stone or plaster of Paris. It is always advisable for plaster stone because of its rigidity it will produce a strong impression of the eye. The process of blocking will be mentioned on the coming pages.
