Congenital Eye Loss and Eye Transplants
Losing one eye affects depth perception, and in childhood it can also affect the growth of the facial bones. A socket implant with a custom prosthetic eye can give a natural appearance; transplanting a whole eye is not yet possible.
How does losing one eye affect vision?
The two eyes work together; the brain combines both images to judge distance and depth in three dimensions. When one eye is missing, this perception is impaired.
- When the eye is lost at birth or in early childhood, people usually adapt.
- In adulthood adapting is harder; driving can become difficult and people may bump into things on the side of the missing eye.
Eye loss in childhood and facial growth
The bones of the eye socket (orbit) grow together with the eyeball. In children whose eye never developed, is small or was lost early, facial asymmetry can therefore develop. Various measures under medical follow-up are needed to prevent this.
Prosthetic eyes and prosthetic lenses
- Socket implant and prosthetic eye: If the eyeball is absent or damaged, an orbital (socket) implant is placed, and a custom prosthetic eye matched to the other eye can be fitted over it.
- Prosthetic contact lens: If the eyeball is a normal size but its shape or colour has been altered by disease, its appearance can be improved with a prosthetic lens.
Transplanting a whole eyeball, however, is not yet possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is an eye transplant possible?
Transplanting a whole eyeball is not yet possible.
Who adapts more easily to losing an eye?
Adapting is easier when the loss happens at birth or in early childhood, and harder in adulthood.
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This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Anatomy and treatment plans differ from patient to patient.