Midwest Ocular Prosthetics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of prosthetics does MOP make?
2. What are ocular prosthetics made of?
3. How long will it take before I receive my artificial eye?
4. How will it feel to wear my artificial eye or scleral shell prosthesis?
5. How do I clean my prosthesis and how often do I take it out?
6. How long will my ocular prosthesis last?
7. Will my insurance pay for the prosthesis?
8. How much will my prosthesis cost?
9. Does MOP accept Medicare assignment?

1. What type of prosthetics does MOP make?

MOP makes hand painted, hand crafted acrylic artificial eyes that are fitted after complete removal (enucleation) or partial removal (evisceration) of the natural eye, as well as a type of prosthesis, called a scleral shell, which fits over a blind disfigured eye. MOP also fabricates acrylic orbital prostheses for individuals who have had their natural eye, eye socket and lids removed (exenteration).

2. What are ocular prosthetics made of?

Artificial eyes are made of PMMA (polymethylmethacralate), a durable acrylic that is also used in the fabrication of dental appliances and contact lenses. The acrylic prostheses are hand painted with fine artist oil paints to simulate every detail of the companion eye's natural anatomy.

3. How long will it take before I receive my artificial eye?

It will take 2 to 4 visits to our office depending upon your individual case. About 10 days to 2 weeks after your surgery you will be fitted with a therapeutic temporary prosthesis which you will wear for 2 or 3 weeks until your socket heals. Your permanent prosthesis will be ready for delivery approximately 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

The replacment of an old prosthesis will require 2 visits to the office and will take around 1 week to complete.

A scleral shell will take about 6 weeks to fit and deliver, and will require 4 to 6 visits to the office to complete.

4. How will it feel to wear my artificial eye or scleral shell prosthesis?

Inserting, removing and wearing an artificial eye or scleral shell does not hurt! In fact, you will find that you are more comfortable with your prosthesis in place than when it is out.

5. How do I clean my prosthesis and how often do I take it out?

Daily cleaning of the artificial eye consists of a simple rinsing with saline solution while the eye is in place. Only once every few months will it be necessary to remove the prosthesis for more thorough cleaning with soap and water.

Scleral shells are cleaned daily with mild soap and water after removal and prior to insertion. Scleral shells should never be worn overnight.

6. How long will my ocular prosthesis last?

All types of ocular prosthetics made of acrylic can be expected to last, on average, about 5 to 7 years before a replacement is necessary.

7. Will my insurance pay for the prosthesis?

Most likely your health insurance will help cover part, if not all, of the cost of the prosthesis. MOP will file all of the necessary papers to realize the maximum benefits. Depending on your specific situation a deposit may or may not be required to start work and/or deliver your prosthesis.

8. How much will my prosthesis cost?

Again, it is difficult to determine the exact cost for a specific case without evaluation or accurate insurance benefit information. However, MOP's prosthetic eye fees start at around $700.00 and go up to just over $2,000.00

9. Does MOP accept Medicare assignment?

Yes. We accept assignment on all Medicare and Indiana Medicaid patients.