Frequently Asked Questions
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Will my medical insurance cover a prosthesis? What if I don’t have insurance?
Ocular prosthetics are considered medically necessary which means they are often covered by medical insurance with a prescription from your physician. While there are currently no contracted ocularist providers in Washington State, Erickson Laboratories works with most insurance companies and requests authorizations to obtain in-network coverage whenever possible. Our billing manager handles claims in-house and works diligently on your behalf to help ensure the maximum coverage available to you under your plan.
We also understand that the journey to an ocular prosthesis often comes after significant emotional and financial expense. If you do not have insurance, or if coverage is limited, we are happy to discuss self-pay options and payment expectations transparently during your consultation so there are no surprises.
How long after surgery can I be fitted for a prosthesis?
In most cases, the fabrication process can begin about 6–8 weeks after surgery, depending on how your socket is healing. It’s important that swelling has gone down and tissues are stable so your prosthesis can be made for the most accurate, comfortable, and long-lasting fit. During a free consultation, our ocularists will carefully evaluate your socket and let you know when the timing is right. In some cases, a custom conformer may be created to support healing and encourage optimal formation of the socket and fornices before the prosthesis is made.
What is the prosthesis made of?
Modern ocular prostheses are made of medical-grade acrylic (poly methyl methacrylate). This material has been safely used in many medical applications — including dentistry and other implants — for decades and remains the trusted standard in ocular prosthetics. Each prosthesis is hand-crafted from this durable, lightweight plastic. The colors and details are created using pure powdered pigments suspended in the same acrylic material, allowing the eye to be custom painted for a natural, long-lasting result.
How long is the process take start to finish?
Fabrication is typically completed over 3 to 5 visits, depending on the complexity of your case and your insurance authorization requirements. We never rush this process - each visit is an important step in achieving the most comfortable, natural-looking result. Our ocularists will guide you through the process and keep you informed of timing every step of the way.
Will it hurt?
No, the process is not painful. It’s very common for new patients to feel unusual or unfamiliar sensations at first, and that can be nerve-wracking. Most patients describe parts of the process as feeling different, but not painful. Our Ocularists move at a pace that’s comfortable for you and communicate clearly throughout each step so you always know what’s happening.
Will it look real, move or blink?
Creating a natural, realistic prosthesis that blends in is always our goal. With years of experience our ocularists create your custom-made prosthesis to complement your unique socket, which helps support the best possible movement and lid function. Before starting the process, will evaluate the condition of your socket and clearly explain what you can expect. Our priority is not only a beautiful result, but also a comfortable, healthy fit you can feel confident in.
How often do I need check ups?
An initial follow up visit is included with your new prosthesis without charge, in addition to any modifications in the first 6 months after its completion. Once you are wearing the prosthesis comfortably routine cleanings are recommended every 6 months.
Can I clean it at home?
Yes, but with care. Some cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals that can damage a prosthesis and cause irreversible changes to the surface. Never use products containing alcohol! For routine at-home care, we recommend rinsing with water and gently wiping with a clean microfiber cloth. If needed, a small amount of mild baby soap may be used, followed by thorough rinsing. At-home cleaning does not replace the need for routine professional polishings, where your ocularist removes protein buildup, evaluates the surface of the prosthesis, and checks the overall health of your socket.
How long can I wear the prosthesis?
Most patients are able to wear their prosthesis continuously, including during sleep. However, your ocularist will review a personalized wear schedule with you before you take your prosthesis home. This is especially important if you wear a prosthetic scleral cover shell or still have a sensitive shrunken globe in the socket.
Can I sleep, shower or swim in it? What about sports?
Follow the wear schedule recommended by your ocularist and what feels most comfortable for you.
Most patients are able to sleep and shower in their prosthesis, but avoid direct high-pressure water on the eye so it doesn't accidentally fall out and use a drain cover to prevent loss. You can return to most normal activities, but polycarbonate protective glasses are strongly recommended to safeguard your remaining eye - especially during risky activities. For sports, swimming, and other water activities, we often suggest removing your prosthesis or wearing a duplicate/swim conformer to prevent loss.
Can I wear the prosthesis during an MRI?
Yes, ocular prostheses are made from medical-grade acrylic and will not interfere with an MRI. However, it’s also important to consider the material of your ocular implant (the implant placed surgically behind the prosthesis). Some older implants may contain metal. For this reason, we recommend confirming the type of implant you have with the surgeon or doctor who performed your original surgery before undergoing an MRI.
What if it gets scratched, damaged, or lost?
If your prosthesis becomes scratched, damaged, or uncomfortable, please contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. In many cases, minor scratches can be professionally polished, and we can assess whether a repair or replacement is needed. If your prosthesis is lost, we will guide you through the next steps and can help check whether your insurance will cover a replacement.
I'm having trouble coping with eye loss. How can I get help?
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Does my prosthetic eye have to match? What if I want a specialty eye?
Our standard focus is creating a prosthesis that closely matches your natural eye. However, specialty prosthetic eyes or coined term "fun eyes" can be created upon request. Specialty prostheses are considered custom commissioned work and are not billable through insurance and are paid for out of pocket. Pricing varies depending on the complexity of the design. Because of the additional time required, specialty prostheses must be scheduled in coordination with your matching prosthesis fabrication appointments. This allows us to provide this service efficiently while remaining fair and available to all of our patients.
As ocularists, we are artists by trade, and we will work diligently to bring your ideas to life. Once a design is agreed upon, reasonable touch-ups can be done; however, major design changes or extensive additional work beyond the original scope may require additional fees. All expectations, timing, and pricing will be reviewed in advance.