A scleral eye shell is a craniofacial prosthetic eye that is used to cover blindness in an individual. It is painless and the method involves cosmetic benefits for placing a prosthetic eye in the eye socket of our face.
The scleral shell is custom-fitted to surgically place it in the eye socket and provide as natural an appearance as possible. It helps individuals with complex eye conditions achieve an aesthetically pleasing eye.
An eye shell is a scleral contact lens that extends over the cornea and sclera of human eyes. These shells are used for precise eye movement and careful eye position for those with shrunken eyes.
Evisceration requires a scleral shell after the procedure to restore the appearance of the eye. This is the removal of the inner contents of the eye (iris, cornea, etc.), leaving behind the outer sclera (white part) of the eye. After an evisceration surgery, an orbital implant is placed inside the remaining sclera, and a scleral shell is fitted over this to restore the appearance.
When an eye condition shrinks or loses function due to injury, the phthisical eye is used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of the eye after enucleation or evisceration surgery. If an eye is disfigured after surgery, a scleral shell is fitted to the orbital contents of the eyes to mimic an eye look.
Accidents and injuries can lead to a shrunken eyeball, and such trauma can be healed only by the cosmetic procedure of a scleral shell. It provides comfort and allows a replacement for shrunken eyes, without complete eye removal.
Retinal detachment is a condition when the retina is separated from the underlying tissue of the eyes. It can affect the health and appearance of the eyes, and may even require cosmetic procedures to enhance eye look, in certain eye-related trauma.
Scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or pneumatic retinopexy are most commonly used to fix the vision impairment issues associated with retinal detachment and reattach the retina.
If there is severe damage to the eye due to advanced glaucoma, where vision is lost, a scleral shell may be needed to cover the affected eye.
In certain corneal disorders, where the lenses become cloudy and inflamed, a scleral shell is required for vision improvement. It corrects the irregularities and helps individuals with issues like blurriness, distortion, and other visual symptoms.
Corneal dystrophies are a group of genetic disorders characterized by an abnormal buildup of material in the cornea, leading to opacity and potentially causing blurry vision or vision loss. The scleral shell serves as a prosthetic device that fits over the affected eye, providing a natural appearance and symmetry with the other eye.
The significance of the discovery of the scleral eye shell in ocular prosthetics is big enough. It provides an eyelid surface and preserves the ocular muscles and the remaining structure of the eyes post-trauma.
The scleral eye shell can significantly improve your visual acuity. The irregularities in vision can reduce blurriness, distortion, and other visual symptoms.
Scleral eye shells act as a protective barrier over the cornea In conditions like epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) or recurrent corneal erosions linked to dystrophies, the smooth and stable surface of the scleral shell can help prevent painful erosions by minimizing friction between the eyelids and the cornea.
Scleral eye shells are designed to rest on the less sensitive sclera rather than the cornea, leading to increased comfort compared to traditional contact lenses. The larger diameter of the scleral shell covers a larger area of the eye, distributing the lens weight more evenly and enhancing the appearance of the eyes.
The fluid reservoir created by the scleral shell acts as a moisturizing chamber, providing continuous lubrication and hydration to the cornea throughout the day. This feature can be particularly beneficial for corneal dystrophies that involve dryness or compromised tear film, such as Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy.
Scleral shells are custom-designed and fitted for each individual’s unique corneal shape and condition, ensuring a precise fit, optimal vision correction, and maximum comfort. These customized shells are typically made of highly breathable materials, allowing for adequate oxygen permeability to the cornea.
Scleral shells can be used in a variety of ocular conditions, such as phthisis bulbi, evisceration, or microphthalmia. When the eye exterior portion is shrunken or deformed but still present, to enhance the look for various purposes, scleral shells are used.
The first scleral eye shell was invented in 1887 with the efforts of Fredrich A. Müller and Albert C. Müller. Scleral shells were initially blown glass scleral shells, which have nothing to do with the management of ocular surface disease. This initial invention of the scleral shell provided cosmetically pleasing and better-fitting imitation eyes. Especially for those with eye conditions that deform their natural appearance.
In the past, the use of traditional lenses for patients with corneal edema had significant challenges due to poor oxygen transmissibility. But today, the evolution of scleral shells has addressed such shortcomings and can replicate the unique characteristics of the human eye.
In recent years, several new designs, uses of materials, and innovations in scleral eye shell technology have been overall beneficial to eye care in Nepal. The use of modern designs, materials, and manufacturing processes makes it a more natural and comfortable solution for ocular prosthetics.
The bottom line is that the scleral shell is a boon to eye care evolution. Here, the beneficiary has a more customized eye replacement based on the impression-fitting method. It is a crucial and intricate procedure that begins when the eye physician approves the eligibility when he makes a thorough examination of the eyes.
Moreover, the first step involves the use of painless eye drops in the eye. Once it is numb, the impression of the eyes is taken using the wax. It’s the process where the physician and eye experts capture the intricate contours and curvatures of the eye to mimic a scleral shell.
The impression-fitting process serves as the foundation for crafting a scleral shell to the unique shape of an individual eye. Additionally, it is meticulously modified to match a companion’s eye and provides a snug fit and comfort upon use.
Once the scleral shell is properly fitted, it undergoes a molding process. It casts a two-part mold with a durable material called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to form the final prosthesis of the eye, carefully marking and mimicking the iris and pupil. Also, blend shades and hues of the eye to give a lifelike depth and luster to the prosthetic eye.
Vision Eye Care Clinic has new advanced technology and is one of the top clinics near you in Kathmandu. Its three major branches are Lazimpat, Boudha (Tushal), and Makalbari. Be it glaucoma, cataracts, hyperopia, refractive errors, or AMD, we serve you with the best eye care services in Nepal.
Your vision is our top priority and with these, we have the best sunglasses and eyewear to protect it. Don’t wait till the symptoms get worse and safeguard your eyesight with a vision concern!
Yes, we provide emergency eye care for conditions like eye injuries, sudden vision loss, and infections. If you experience any urgent eye problems, please contact us immediately, and our team will assist you in getting the care you need.
Signs to watch for include blurry vision, floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, redness, or sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam at Vision Concern Eye Clinic as soon as possible for early diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re experiencing blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain, it may be a sign that you need glasses or contact lenses. Our eye exams will help determine whether you need corrective lenses. We’ll also discuss your options based on your lifestyle and preferences, including glasses, contacts, or even refractive surgery like LASIK.
