Dr. Alaa Hussein Bahri, the first Saudi doctor to specialize in the installation of artificial eyes, began her career in one of Spain’s clinics for artificial eyes, where she worked with Dr. Javier Lacica for three years. She then traveled to the US, where the technology is more sophisticated, and joined Dr. Super’s Clinic in Houston for a one-year training. After that, she returned to Saudi Arabia, where she received another training for six months at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital.
Sayidaty met with Dr. Alaa Hussein Bahri to tell us about her experience with artificial eyes, and why she chose this particular area.
How are artificial eyes manufactured and from which materials?
We use high-quality acrylic plastic materials that can be easily formed, colored and polished. We take the right measurements from the patient to shape the eye. It is then colored as similar as possible to the original color of the good eye, and red arteries are also drawn on the white part of the eye to make it look more natural. It is resistant to breakage in the event of falling out, unlike artificial eyes made of glass that are easily broken and sometimes may break if there is a sudden change in temperature.
How does an artificial eye impact the patient?
Artificial eyes help patients, especially women, to regain self-confidence. Patients are often frustrated by the loss of an eye and the impact it has on their appearance. With an artificial eye, they can face society again.
Are all patients satisfied with the artificial eye?
This depends on the degree of perfection of the work done, and here the level of skill compared to other specialists in this area can be seen. It is a professional work of art, and I pray to God to make me successful in manufacturing eyes as naturally looking as possible for my patients.
To what extent does the patient accept the idea of installing an artificial eye?
During the first appointment, the patient is usually tensed and anxious and with a lot of questions and inquiries. After explaining the process of installing the artificial eye and assuring that the process is pain-free and does not require surgery or anesthesia, patients realize that installing the artificial eye is the best solution to their problem.
How long does the process take?
The duration varies from one patient to another. A synthetic eye is manufactured specifically for each patient individually, meaning that the eye is constructed to be identical to the natural eye. We seek to make an eye as close as the good eye’s natural shape and color, making it difficult to differentiate between the two, but usually it needs a week or two to make one artificial eye.
Is there a certain period for the patient to get used to the artificial eye?
When a patient loses an eye, adaptation is difficult at first, but over time the patient may do everything with one eye. However, the use of a synthetic eye is the best solution for the patient to exercise his life more naturally.
Does the patient eventually need to replace this eye?
Yes, we must change the artificial eye every three years, and in some cases, such as children and adolescents, the patient needs to change the eye during a period of less than three years.
When must the patient visit a specialist in artificial eyes?
I would advise the patient to visit a specialist every six months for cleaning. Also, the patient must visit a specialist in case of an emergency, such as the loss of the artificial eye, the fall of the artificial eye, which can lead to scratches, pain from the artificial eye or in the eye socket, and in case of unusual secretions.
Is there any harm to a patient not wearing an artificial eye?
Regardless of the artificialness of the eye, it is a cosmetic solution and gives the patient self-confidence in society. Note that when you install this eye, the soft tissue of the eyelid will expand, but if the artificial eye does not fill the void, it could lead to clear deflation of the eyelid, and this could also lead to infections in the eye area.
What services do you offer to the patient after the installation of the artificial eye?
We give everyone a booklet that explains all that is needed: How to care for the artificial eye, how to clean it, correct methods that must be followed to protect the eye, and how to act in case of loss of the artificial eye or if it breaks.
Could the artificial eye move naturally after installation?
It depends on the type of surgery that has been done before the installation of the eye, but in general: yes, it is possible to move the artificial eye.
Could the patient sleep with it?
It varies from one patient to another, but usually we advise the patient to keep wearing it at night.
What services can be provided to the patient besides the manufacture of artificial eyes?
We provide services 24 hours a day. We train patients to move the eye in and out, perform maintenance of the eye periodically, and to provide solutions in case of emergency.
Is there a specific minimum age for the installation of an artificial eye?
No, there is no certain age, and we even welcome in our clinic children under a year old. This helps them to adapt more quickly, and they won’t feel embarrassed or frustrated in their dealing with friends at school or in society. We support the installation of an artificial eye at an early age to avoid negative results, such as shriveling of the eye socket, which makes it difficult to install an artificial eye later.
What are your recommendations?
I recommend mothers to take care their children do not sustain any eye injuries, especially while playing with toys or things that have sharp edges, or dangerous things like fire crackers. Children suffer greatly if they lose an eye, and the suffering will continue throughout their lives. I would also advise them to periodically see an ophthalmologist, and not only visit the pediatrician.
What are your future goals?
I am currently working on acquiring the American Board in this field of specialization.
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Email: life.style@arabnews.com
