Functional Customization Of A Stock Ocular Prosthesis For Rehabilitation Of An Enucleated Eye Socket: A Case Report

Abstract

Background:
Loss of an eye due to trauma has profound esthetic, functional, and psychological consequences. Although stock ocular
prostheses provide a simple and economical rehabilitation option, their long-term use often results in poor adaptation,
inadequate palpebral support, reduced prosthetic motility, and compromised facial esthetics. Functional customization of a
stock ocular prosthesis represents a practical alternative that combines the affordability of stock prostheses with the improved
adaptation of custom-made prostheses.
Case-Presentation:
A 62-year-old male presented with complaints of a loose ocular prosthesis, sunken appearance of the left eye, reduced
palpebral opening, and poor prosthetic movement. The patient had undergone enucleation of the left eye following a stick
injury during childhood and had been wearing the same stock ocular prosthesis for more than 40 years. Clinical examination
revealed a healthy conjunctival socket without residual sclera or orbital implant. Mild mucoid discharge associated with
prolonged use of the ill-fitting prosthesis was noted. A functional impression of the anophthalmic socket was recorded using
medium-body addition silicone, following which the existing stock ocular prosthesis was customized by incremental wax
additions during dynamic functional movements. An addition silicone putty index was fabricated to preserve the optimized
contours, and the wax pattern was processed using clear self-polymerizing acrylic resin to obtain the definitive prosthesis.
Outcome:
The customized prosthesis demonstrated improved adaptation, enhanced palpebral fullness, satisfactory retention, and
significantly improved prosthetic motility. At the 24-hour follow-up, the patient reported excellent comfort and satisfaction
with the esthetic appearance, with no evidence of irritation or discomfort.
Conclusion:
Functional customization of a stock ocular prosthesis using dynamic wax contouring and a putty index transfer technique
offers a simple, economical, and clinically effective alternative to conventional custom ocular prostheses. The technique
provides improved palpebral support, enhanced prosthetic movement, and superior patient satisfaction while minimizing
laboratory complexity and treatment cost.