355 Woodruff Rd Suite 405, Greenville, SC. 29607
Polishing your prosthetic eye
Polishing keeps it comfortable
Regular professional polishing keeps your prosthetic smooth and comfortable.
Frequently asked questions
Please reach us at admin@gbprosthetics.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes, movement comes from the eye muscles attached around the implant placed during surgery. You will not have 100% movement with your natural eye but movement amount varies from case to case.
Not anymore. "Glass eye" is still a common name, but modern artificial eyes are made from medical-grade acrylic. It's durable, can be polished and adjusted, and won't shatter.
A thin custom shell worn over an eye that is still present but has changed in appearance. It's painted to match your other eye, just like a full prosthetic eye.
Yes. We work with the VA regularly. Ask your VA care team for a referral, or call us and we'll help you through the steps.
That's the goal. Each eye is shaped to your socket and hand-painted to match your other eye. You'll have input along the way.
No. The impression uses a soft, cool gel that's painless and sets in about a minute.
Usually about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will let you know when your socket has healed.
Every 6 months, for both prosthetic eyes and scleral shells. Even when it looks smooth, tiny scratches build up and can irritate your eyelids. A professional polish restores the finish and lets us check your socket.
Most eyes should be replaced every 4 to 5 years, and sooner for children as they grow. Your socket changes over time, which can affect fit, eyelid position and comfort. Scleral shells follow a similar schedule.
As little as possible. Taking it out often can irritate the socket and increase discharge. Remove it only when you need to clean it or if it's uncomfortable. If it will be out for more than a few minutes, store it in a container of water.
Wash your hands first. Work over a towel, with the sink drain closed and the toilet seat down. Wipe all surfaces of the eye firmly with a paper towel wet with cold water, rinse it, and put it back in. Never use rubbing alcohol or anything abrasive. When wiping your eye or lids, always wipe toward your nose.
To put it in: the dot goes up. Slide the top in first, under your upper lid as far as it goes, then pull your lower lid down and tuck the bottom in. To take it out: the bottom comes out first. Attach a suction cup, tip the handle up while pulling your lower lid down, and the eye slides out. We'll show you at your fitting.
Yes. Chlorine won't hurt it. Wear goggles if you dive or water ski.
Everyone is different, some can be normal. Allergies, dust, smoke, fans or air conditioning can make it worse. If it changes suddenly, call us or your eye doctor.
Many people use the same lubricating drops on the prosthetic eye that they use in their other eye. For dryness, ask your ocularist or ophthalmologist about lubrication.
Yes. Surgery usually doesn't affect tear production. Some people notice extra tearing because acrylic doesn't hold moisture like natural tissue.
Yes. With one seeing eye, you're monocular in sight, so protecting that eye matters most. We recommend glasses with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses, even if you don't need a prescription.
Yes, Children need more frequent visits and replacements as they grow. Tim makes conformers for children and has fitted babies as young as 4 months.
Yes. We can polish the prosthesis but we do not do any adjustments on other peoples work.
See our Fees & Insurance page for information
Every policy is different, you can book with us directly however, check with your individual plan first to check on all prior requirements.
We'll send you intake forms to fill out before your visit, or you can call our office to make sure we have your current information.
Have any Questions?
Call or text (864) 278‑1881. Let us know how we can help.