Prosthetic Eye & Orbital Socket Reconstruction in NYC

Loss of an eye—whether due to trauma, disease, or surgery—can be a life-altering experience. Orbital socket reconstruction and prosthetic eye fitting help restore not only physical symmetry, but emotional confidence. At his Upper East Side practice in Manhattan, NYC, Dr. Robert Schwarcz, a double board certified oculofacial plastic surgeon, specializes in rebuilding the orbital socket to support a custom ocular prosthesis (artificial eye) that looks natural and feels comfortable.

Whether you’re preparing for enucleation (eye removal) or require revision of a previously placed prosthetic, Dr. Schwarcz offers compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs and long-term well-being.

What Is Orbital Socket Reconstruction?

Orbital socket reconstruction is a highly specialized surgical procedure designed to restore the shape, volume, and function of the eye socket after the removal of an eye (enucleation or evisceration). The ultimate goal is to allow for the secure, natural placement of a prosthetic eye (also known as an ocular prosthesis).

The procedure typically involves:

• Orbital Volume Replacement using an implant to restore the lost eye volume

• Socket Reshaping to ensure the prosthesis fits snugly and comfortably

• Eyelid and Conjunctival Repair to improve function, appearance, and comfort

Once healing is complete, a custom ocular prosthesis is fabricated and fitted by a skilled ocularist, working closely with Dr. Schwarcz.

Who Is a Candidate for a Prosthetic Eye?

You may be a candidate for orbital reconstruction and prosthetic eye placement if you:

• Have had or are scheduled to undergo enucleation or evisceration

• Were born with congenital eye abnormalities

• Experienced severe trauma or infection that damaged the eye

• Require revision of a poorly fitting prosthesis or socket

• Want to improve the comfort, movement, or cosmetic appearance of your current prosthesis

Dr. Schwarcz will evaluate your socket structure, health history, and aesthetic goals to determine the best course of treatment.

Who May Not Be a Candidate

Orbital socket reconstruction may not be appropriate for individuals with:

• Active infections or inflammation in the orbit

• Uncontrolled systemic illnesses that impair healing

• Poor eyelid function that can't be surgically improved

• Unrealistic expectations regarding prosthetic eye movement (artificial eyes do not restore vision)

However, many challenges can be addressed surgically. Dr. Schwarcz will advise you honestly and clearly.

Planning Your Procedure

Planning for prosthetic eye reconstruction includes:

• Pre-Surgical Imaging (CT or MRI) to evaluate orbital anatomy

• Discussion of implant types, such as porous polyethylene or hydroxyapatite

• Coordinating with a trusted ocularist to begin planning for the custom prosthesis

• Temporarily stopping medications that increase bleeding risk

• Personalizing your pre- and post-op care instructions

Dr. Schwarcz will ensure you are fully informed and supported throughout the process.

What to Expect During Surgery

Orbital socket reconstruction is performed by Dr. Robert Schwarcz in a hospital setting or his Manhattan office’s JCAHO-certified surgical suite, depending on complexity. If a bone specialist or general anesthesia is required, the procedure is done in the hospital.

Surgery may include:

• Placement of a spherical orbital implant to restore volume

• Reconstruction of conjunctiva and eyelid position to support the prosthetic

• Dermis-fat grafting or mucosal grafts when additional tissue is needed

• Temporary use of a conformer shell to shape the socket during healing

The procedure typically lasts 1–2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

Recovery Timeline

1–2 Weeks:

• Expect swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort

• Use prescribed ointments and antibiotics

• Sutures may be removed at follow-up

4–6 Weeks:

• The socket heals enough to begin prosthetic fabrication

• You’ll visit the ocularist for fitting and color matching

2–3 Months:

• Final prosthetic eye placement

• Movement and cosmetic refinement

Dr. Schwarcz and your ocularist will guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth recovery and natural result.

Results You Can Expect

With proper healing and a well-crafted prosthesis, most patients experience:

• A natural-looking prosthetic eye that moves with the other eye

• Symmetry in facial appearance

• Improved self-confidence and emotional healing

• Excellent comfort and socket stability

Though the prosthesis does not restore sight, the aesthetic outcome can be life-changing.

Complementary Procedures

Depending on your anatomy and needs, Dr. Schwarcz may recommend additional treatments to enhance results:

• Upper or Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) to restore eyelid position and symmetry

• Ptosis Repair to lift a drooping eyelid

• Midface Lift if socket damage affects the cheek area

These procedures help support the prosthesis and ensure natural facial harmony.

Alternatives

In some cases, a non-surgical approach may be considered, especially if surgery poses risks:

• External prosthetic shells (cosmetic only, worn over existing structures)

• Re-fitting with a new prosthesis without surgery

• Lubricants and socket care routines to improve comfort

However, for patients with structural deformities or painful sockets, surgery remains the most effective solution.

Why Choose Dr. Robert Schwarcz?

With over 20 years of experience in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Robert Schwarcz is a trusted expert in the delicate process of socket reconstruction and prosthetic eye support. His unique blend of surgical skill and aesthetic sensibility ensures not just functional success—but truly natural results.

Whether you're preparing for eye removal or struggling with an ill-fitting prosthetic, Dr. Schwarcz offers the thoughtful care and precision necessary to restore confidence and comfort.

Ready to take the next step in your recovery? Click the Request an Appointment button below to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schwarcz and learn how orbital socket reconstruction and prosthetic eye support can restore both balance and confidence.