What is ocular conformer?

Conformer is a clear acrylic shell fitted after an enucleation if the final artificial eye is not available at the time of surgery to hold the shape of the eye socket and allow the eyelids to blink over the shell without rubbing the suture line. The conformer shell holds the shape ready for the artificial eye.

How do you insert an eye conformer?

Insert the upper part of the prosthesis or conformer under the eyelid in an upwards, backwards and inwards movement (Figure ​4). Remove the hand from the upper eyelid (but still support the prosthesis or conformer) and, with the free hand, gently pull down the lower eyelid.

Can microphthalmia be prevented?

Treatment of microphthalmia While there’s no way to prevent or fully correct this birth defect, there are surgeries available for treating eye abnormalities that may be present alongside microphthalmia. These eye abnormalities include but are not limited to: Cloudy eye (cataract)

How does the conformer work?

Conformer therapy is a general term used to describe the fitting of clear plastic stents over time to develop the eye socket for optimal prosthetic eye results. In both cases the conformers are designed to help expand the orbit and opening of the eyelids.

Can an eye be removed and put back?

You should be able to get your eye back in place without serious, long-term damage. (If the ocular muscles tear or if the optic nerve is severed, your outlook won’t be as clear.)

Can you see with a prosthetic eye?

A prosthetic eye cannot restore vision. After removal of the natural eye and placement of a prosthetic eye, a person will have no vision in that eye.

Is microphthalmia genetic?

When microphthalmia occurs as a feature of a genetic syndrome or chromosomal abnormality, it may cluster in families according to the inheritance pattern for that condition, which may be autosomal recessive or other patterns. Often microphthalmia is not inherited, and there is only one affected individual in a family.

Can you see with microphthalmia?

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia develop during pregnancy and can occur alone, with other birth defects, or as part of a syndrome. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia often result in blindness or limited vision.

What is anophthalmia syndrome?

Anophthalmia is a birth defect where a baby is born without one or both eyes. Microphthalmia is a birth defect in which one or both eyes did not develop fully, so they are small. Anophthalmia.

What are eye conformers and how do they work?

This fitting method is particularly effective in treating children with anophthalmia or microphthalmia and adults with mild to severe socket contraction. In both cases the conformers are designed to help expand the orbit and opening of the eyelids.

What are eye conformers for children with microphthalmia?

Children with anophthalmia or microphthalmia may need to wear conformers (sometimes called expanders) — plastic devices that help the eye socket grow to a normal size and shape. If your child needs a conformer, an ocularist (a specialist in eye devices) will create one that fits them.

What is conformer therapy and is it necessary?

Conformer Therapy – When is it Necessary? Conformer therapy is a general term used to describe the fitting of clear plastic stents over time to develop the eye socket for optimal prosthetic eye results.

What is a generally shaped conformer?

A generically shaped conformer is a slightly convex oval shape that is made of clear acrylic plastic. The conformer serves the very important function of maintaining the socket while healing takes place. It functions to maintain the integrity of the fornices of the socket while providing structure and volume for the lids to blink comfortably over.