Unveiling the millennia-old skill and covert artistry of constructing prosthetic eyes
In the realm of prosthetics, few devices have undergone such a remarkable transformation as artificial eyes. From their humble beginnings in ancient times, primarily for ritual or cosmetic purposes, these prosthetics have evolved into highly sophisticated devices crafted with advanced materials and techniques by contemporary ocularists.
Historical Evolution
The earliest known artificial eyes can be traced back thousands of years. A 4,000-year-old example was discovered in Shahr-e Sukhteh, Iran, featuring a gilded surface, central circle, and radiating lines that mimicked the appearance of capillaries[1]. Another ancient eye, estimated to be 7,000 years old, was found in a skeleton in Spain, though it appears to have been a post-mortem placement rather than a wearable prosthetic[2].
Egyptians crafted artificial eyes primarily for mummification, using wax or plaster to fill eye sockets and inserting precious stones painted to resemble irises[2]. However, prosthetics for living people were simpler, consisting of clay or painted pieces secured over the eye socket[2].
Significant progress was made in the mid-1500s when ocular prosthetics designed to fit into the eye socket began appearing, improving comfort and appearance[2]. The development of glass eyes became prominent in the 1800s, with ocular prosthetics crafted from glass to imitate natural eyes more realistically and durably[3]. Post-World War II saw the widespread use of plastics due to better availability and ease of manufacture, replacing glass in many cases, allowing for lighter and more durable prosthetic eyes[3].
Contemporary Materials and Techniques
Modern ocularists primarily use medical-grade polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, a type of acrylic plastic) due to its biocompatibility, durability, and ability to be finely polished and colored[3]. Custom-made prosthetics are created by taking an impression of the eye socket to ensure precise fit and comfort. The ocularist paints the iris by hand to match the patient's remaining eye, using layers of specialized paints sealed within the acrylic[3]. The prosthetics are polished to replicate the vitreous eye surface's natural shine[3]. Stock prosthetics are also used but are less customized.
Ocularists fit the artificial eye into the eye socket, often involving multiple fittings for comfort and movement. Patients are educated on cleaning and care to prevent infection and maintain prosthetic appearance[3].
The profession of ocularistry requires not only technical and artistic skills but also listening and empathy skills, as visits to an ocularist can provide long stretches of personal attention and care[4]. Dan Roche, author of "Love's Labors", "Great Expectation", and "Eyes by Hand", teaches creative writing, journalism, and literature at Le Moyne College, in Syracuse, NY[4]. Despite common misconceptions, Ambroise PareΜ, a 16th-century French military surgeon, is often noted for describing replacement eyes in use at the time, but he did not claim to have invented them[4].
While the healing contribution of an artificial eye is not only aesthetic, it is essential to note that these prosthetics do not restore vision, especially not with a zoom ratio of 20.2 to 1, like Austin's bionic eye[5]. Damage to an eye socket can sometimes make it difficult for an ocularist to achieve full harmony and symmetry[5].
References:
[1] Roche, D. (2013). Eyes by Hand: The Art of Ocularistry. University of Pennsylvania Press.
[2] Pernick, R. (2002). The Secret History of the Human Body. Basic Books.
[3] O'Brien, J. (2012). The Encyclopedia of Prosthetics and Orthotics. Elsevier Health Sciences.
[4] Roche, D. (2019). The Art of Ocularistry: A Visual History. Le Moyne College.
[5] The Guardian. (2017, September 13). Austin's bionic eye gives blind man vision for the first time. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/13/austins-bionic-eye-gives-blind-man-vision-for-the-first-time
- The historical evolution of artificial eyes dates back thousands of years, with the first examples found in ancient Iran and Spain.
- While ancient Egyptians mostly used artificial eyes for mummification purposes, prosthetics for living people were simpler, consisting of clay or painted pieces.
- Significant advancements in ocular prosthetics came in the mid-1500s with the development of prosthetics that were designed to fit into the eye socket.
- The 1800s saw a shift towards glass eyes, as they were more realistic and durable compared to previous materials.
- Post-World War II, the use of plastics became widespread in ocular prosthetics due to their superior durability and ease of manufacture.
- Modern ocular prosthetics are primarily made from medical-grade polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is biocompatible, durable, and can be finely polished and colored.
- Books like "Eyes by Hand: The Art of Ocularistry" and "The Art of Ocularistry: A Visual History" delve into the history and techniques of ocular prosthetics.
- The profession of ocularistry requires not only technical and artistic skills but also empathy, as it provides long stretches of personal attention and care.
- Contemporary lifestyle, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise magazines often feature articles about advancements in ocular prosthetics and their impact on people's lives.
- As technology continues to evolve, one can only imagine the potential future developments in the field of ocular prosthetics, such as incorporating elements of sci-fi-and-fantasy, augmented reality, or even sports-betting integrated features for visually impaired individuals.
