Artificial eyes come in two types: ocular and vision prostheses. Ocular prostheses are for cosmetic purposes only, while vision prostheses provide visual input by stimulating the optic nerve. Researchers are constantly refining the science behind artificial eyes, and fitting must be carefully done to avoid injury.
An artificial eye is a prosthesis that is used to replace a missing or damaged eye. There are two types of artificial eyes: ocular and vision prostheses. An ocular prosthesis replicates the missing eye for cosmetic reasons, performing no medical function other than supporting the eye socket. A vision prosthesis actually provides visual input to the wearer by stimulating the optic nerve, allowing them to experience some vision.
Humans have been making eye prostheses for hundreds of years. Losing an eye isn’t very uncommon, but it can create an appearance that can be creepy or scary for some people. Wearing a prosthetic eye can give someone a normalized look, while attracting less attention. Inserting a prosthesis into the eye socket will also provide support, reducing the risk of collapse. Losing one eye will have a profound impact on depth perception, but many people learn to function very effectively with only one eye.
In the mid-20th century, researchers began exploring the idea of creating an artificial eye that could actually see. To achieve the goal of creating a vision prosthesis, scientists had to develop a camera that could interact with the brain by stimulating the optic nerve. This is accomplished by sending out electrical signals similar to what a real eye would send out. The brain interprets those signals just as it would if there were a biological eye.
The science behind the artificial eye is constantly being refined as researchers explore better camera designs and perfect the communication system between the camera and the brain. By the early 21st century, a number of high-functioning artificial eyes had been demonstrated in experimental programs. Developing reliable vision aids can make a huge difference for people with severe vision impairment or blindness in one or both eyes.
Whether an artificial eye is a vision or ocular prosthesis, it must be carefully fitted to the wearer. Everyone’s eye socket is slightly different, and the prosthesis must fit smoothly and comfortably, or else it will cause pain and could potentially injure nerves or damage the eye socket. Fitting the prosthesis usually involves multiple molding and measuring sessions to obtain as much data about the structure of the eye socket as possible. Once the prosthesis has been made, the patient participates in a fitting session and learns how to take care of the artificial eye and the eye socket.
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