Clinical Ocular Prosthetics
Clinical Ocular Prosthetics is a groundbreaking and comprehensive work that fills a long-standing gap in ophthalmic literature. Written by Keith R. Pine, Brian H. Sloan, and Robert J. Jacobs of the University of Auckland, this book brings together clinical research, patient perspectives, and professional expertise to create the first modern, evidence-based reference on ocular prosthetics.
For decades, the field of ocular prosthetics has relied heavily on experiential knowledge passed down through ocularists, with very little formal scientific foundation. This book changes that landscape by combining clinical studies, systematic investigations, and interdisciplinary insights into one structured volume.
Content and Structure
The book covers a wide range of themes essential to understanding and managing prosthetic eye wearers:
- Historical background: From the earliest clay prostheses of 2,900 BC to today’s PMMA (acrylic) eyes, the authors trace how materials and practices evolved over centuries.
- Psychosocial aspects of eye loss: The text begins with the human dimension—addressing the emotional, psychological, and social challenges of anophthalmic patients.
- Anatomical and physiological foundations: Detailed chapters review orbital anatomy, surgical techniques, and socket physiology relevant to prosthetic fitting.
- Clinical research: Unique contributions include systematic surveys of patients in New Zealand, focusing particularly on concerns such as mucoid discharge, prosthesis cleaning, and socket health.
- Technical processes: Clear descriptions are provided on the fabrication, fitting, and maintenance of ocular prostheses, scleral shells, and prosthetic contact lenses.
- Scientific innovations: The book introduces new grading scales and staining techniques to objectively evaluate surface deposits, socket inflammation, and prosthesis performance.
- Practical guidance: Later chapters give clinicians advice on patient management, prosthesis care, and troubleshooting common complications.
The text is richly illustrated, with over 400 images, and includes a glossary to support readers from multiple disciplines.
Strengths
- Evidence-based approach: The book is built on original PhD-level research, making it far more than a clinical manual—it is a scientific milestone in ocular prosthetics.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: By combining the perspectives of an ocular prosthetist, an optometrist, and an oculoplastic surgeon, the book bridges gaps between theory and practice.
- Patient-centered focus: The inclusion of survey data ensures the patient voice is central, highlighting the lived experience of prosthetic eye wearers.
- Comprehensive coverage: From psychosocial factors to technical fabrication, the book addresses every dimension of ocular prosthetics.
Limitations
- Technical depth: For non-specialist readers, the language may occasionally feel dense or overly scientific despite the glossary.
- Narrow focus: While excellent for specialists, general ophthalmology readers may find the content less broadly applicable.
Key Topics Covered
The book explores a wide range of essential subjects, including:
- Psychological impact of losing an eye
- Anatomical and physiological changes associated with eye removal
- Surgical procedures for enucleation and evisceration
- Patient evaluation and care approaches
- Construction of prosthetic eyes
- Socket complications and their management
- Prosthetic eye maintenance techniques
- History of ocular prosthetics
Who Will Benefit from This Book?
Although primarily intended for healthcare professionals, the textbook serves as a valuable resource for a broad audience:
- Prosthetists
- Ophthalmologists
- Ophthalmic nurses
- Optometrists
- Students in ocular medicine, maxillofacial medicine, and anaplastology
- Family members and caregivers of patients with prosthetic eyes
- Patients seeking deeper understanding of their condition
Conclusion
Clinical Ocular Prosthetics stands as a landmark publication that elevates ocular prosthetics from a primarily artisanal practice into a scientifically grounded discipline. It blends rigorous research with clinical wisdom, offering a resource that will influence practice, education, and future research worldwide.