Light-weight ocular prosthesis

The authors propose a variation of the technique for making ocular protheses for large ophthalmic cavities introducing an expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) to the acrylic resin at the time of making the prosthetic sclera, aiming at reducing the weight of the prosthesis and thus improving mobility and aesthetics. This study compares the differences in weight, absorption of water and resistance to rupture by hydrostatic pressure of the pieces made of acrylic resin, chemically activated, heat activated and cross-linked by the proposed technique and by the technique for hollow ocular prothesis. The proposed technique presents advantages in manufacturing time and handling of the material.