Based on historical documents, there is evidence that eye prostheses began to be created in ancient Egypt. For mummies, they were made of gold, covered with an enameled pattern. The first eye prosthesis appeared in the 18th century and in appearance did not differ much from the modern one.
Creating a seeing prosthetic eye
The first artificial eye to perceive light was created in Japan. Not just a glass prosthesis, but a whole system of semiconductor elements, the thinnest matrix that projects an image onto an artificial retina and transmits impulses to the brain.
All perception of the world around a person receives through the brain, where impulses with an image arrive through the organ of vision. Light hits the artificial retina, creating an electrical voltage, a signal enters the brain and a color and three-dimensional visual image is formed.
The creation of a seeing prosthetic eye is in the process of being developed. The signal strength is improved and increased, and the size of the chip decreases accordingly. But even at this stage of development,results that allow a blind person to distinguish three-dimensional objects at close range.
Prosthetic eye
A person who has lost his organ of vision experiences not only physical, but also psychological trauma. Therefore, it is so important to properly carry out prosthetics.
Modern medicine offers two types of artificial eyes: glass and plastic. Prostheses are used in case of complete loss of the eyeball, or its subatrophy (significant reduction in size), when a very thin plastic prosthesis is placed, which is also called a crown.
Prostheses 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 break, are lighter and are practically not felt in the cavity. But with prolonged use and careless handling, the plastic is covered with scratches, and its surface becomes matte. To keep the prosthesis in good condition, you can use artificial tears - eye drops.
Prostheses can be standard and are selected by an ophthalmologist or custom-made, when the artist reproduces an exact copy of a he althy eye.
Conjunctival cavity and prosthesis care
After successful prosthetics, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules for the care of the prosthesis and itscavity.
In the first postoperative period, the pressure exerted by the artificial eye 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, the procedure is best done twice a day.
After removing the prosthesis, the conjunctiva should be washed with boiled water and freed from the discharge. Then drip 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 that, it can be washed with 0.05% aqueous chlorhexidine solution.
How to remove and insert the 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 or scratch. Gently pulling back the lower eyelid, pry off the artificial eye with a glass rod and pull it out of the cavity.
Insert the prosthesis so that the recess 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 one.
Artificial tear
During the use of a plastic prosthesis, the conjunctival cavity must be moistened periodically, as poor wetting occurs and the mucosa dries up, which leads to discomfort, pain and a feeling of sand.
Drops are best for this purposefor eyes: 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 an accidental entry of microparticles of debris into the prosthetic cavity, the friction of the prosthesis against the mucosa increases and causes discomfort. By using artificial eye tears, these troubles can be avoided.
Intraocular Lenses (IOL)
Injuries that lead to the 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, an 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 range 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 feel the joy of life again and do what they love. Take care of your eyes and stay he althy.
