From 1984 until 1985 I
was treated for an atypical allergic condition in my right eye. It was producing an excess
amount of mucous and the upper lid had become thickened. My doctor was satisfied with the
treatment but I knew that it was getting worse. I sought a second opinion at that time and
that doctor recommended having a biopsy done. The biopsy showed that I had meibomian cell
carcinoma of the right eye. Surgery was performed and the eye, lids, tear glands and
surrounding skin were removed. It was years before I came to terms with my
Grief and Loss. My first orbital prosthesis was held in place using an
adhesive. This was not satisfactory because moisture would form behind it, as a result of
allergies, and the adhesive would not hold. It would make me very self conscious when the
prosthesis would slide forward and become noticeable.
In 1991 I took part in a clinical trial using bone anchored titanium implants to support
the prosthetic eye. There was a very definite improvement in my
Self
Esteem when I did not have to worry about the eye falling forward and attracting
attention. It has enabled me to more fully interact in society and has increased my
quality of life.
 This is what I look like without my eye
(left) This is my current snap-on
eye.
(right) This is my first eye that needed adhesive. |
