Eyes Alive

01/04/2026

👁️ Eyes Alive | April 2026 — Easter!
Hey, Eyes Alive Family!
Wishing you all a peaceful and joyful Easter weekend filled with quality family time.
If you’re travelling, please stay safe on the roads 🚗✨
This month, we continue sharing helpful insights about ocular prostheses, the implants that support them, and how to care for your prosthetic eye.
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👁️ AI Overview: Artificial Eye Materials & Lifespan
Modern artificial eyes are primarily made from medical-grade acrylic (PMMA)—a durable, lightweight, and highly customizable material that has replaced glass.
Materials Used:
• Acrylic (PMMA): The modern standard—durable, lightweight, and easy to adjust
• Glass (Cryolite): Older material, less common, ~12-month lifespan
• Pigments: Natural pigments sealed under clear acrylic to prevent fading
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⏳ Lifespan & Replacement
• Average lifespan: ±5 years
• Children & teens: Every 6–12 months (due to growth)
Why replacement may be needed:
• Changes in eye socket shape
• Surface wear from tears and proteins
• Reduced comfort or increased discharge
💡 Tip: Regular polishing (every 6–12 months) helps extend lifespan and maintain comfort.
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⚠️ Signs You May Need a Replacement
• Poor fit or discomfort
• Increased mucus/discharge
• Visible scratches, cracks, or fading
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👁️ Caring for Your Prosthesis
✔ You may sleep with it in (if eyelids close fully)
✔ Scleral shells should be removed at night
✔ Can be stored dry overnight
✔ Clean only with approved products (e.g. Boston Conditioning Solution / Boston Simplus)
🚫 Avoid:
❌ Harsh chemicals
❌ Boiling water
❌ DIY polishing (including rubbing on clothing)
👉 Professional polishing is recommended once a year
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💧 Dry Eye & Discharge
Seasonal changes can cause increased dryness or discharge due to:
• Environmental factors
• Allergies
• Prosthesis surface condition
👉 If you’re experiencing discomfort, contact Beryl for an assessment.
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🩺 Doctor Visits — Important Reminders
• Remove your prosthesis before examinations
• Any medication unsafe for contact lenses is also unsafe for prosthetic eyes
• Recurring infections may be prosthesis-related
________________________________________
💸 Need Financial Assistance?
We partner with MediWallet to offer flexible options:
✔ 3-month interest-free plans
✔ Extended plans up to 18 months
________________________________________
📅 Bookings
📞 Beryl: 083 263 1026
💬 WhatsApp: 072 039 6116
🌐 Online bookings welcome
________________________________________
Yours in eyes,
Beryl & Pedro Carvalho
@ Eyes Alive 👁️✨

Send a message to learn more

01/04/2026

13/03/2026

👁️ Eyes Alive | March 2026 — Autumn Already!
Hey, Eyes Alive Family!
It’s hard to believe that we’re already moving into Autumn. We thought we’d continue sharing some helpful insights about ocular prostheses, the implants that support them, and how to care for your prosthetic eye.
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👁️ Internal Implants Supporting a Prosthesis
When an eye is removed through enucleation or evisceration, an orbital implant is usually placed in the eye socket. This implant replaces lost volume and helps move the prosthetic eye more naturally.
There are two main categories of orbital implants.
Non-Integrated (Non-Porous) Implants
These implants do not allow tissue to grow into them.
They are typically smooth spheres made from materials such as:
• Acrylic (PMMA)
• Silicone
• Glass
The muscles of the eye are attached to a covering material placed over the implant, rather than the implant itself. While reliable and widely used, they do not directly connect to the prosthesis.
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Integrated (Porous) Implants
These implants have a porous structure, allowing fibrovascular tissue to grow into the implant over time.
This integration helps improve:
✔ Stability
✔ Motility (movement of the prosthetic eye)
✔ Long-term compatibility with the body
Common porous implant materials include:
• Hydroxyapatite (HA) – a calcium-based material that allows excellent tissue integration
• Porous Polyethylene (MEDPOR) – strong, slightly flexible, and commonly used today
• Bioceramic (Aluminium Oxide) – highly biocompatible and durable
Modern implant designs can even be custom-shaped to better match the natural anatomy of the orbit, improving comfort and cosmetic outcomes.
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👁️ Caring for Your Eye Prosthesis — Key Points
✔ You may sleep with your prosthesis in if your eyelids close fully
✔ Scleral shells must be removed at night
✔ Prosthetic eyes can be stored dry overnight
✔ Clean only with approved products (e.g. Boston Conditioning Solution / Boston Simplus)
🚫 Please avoid:
❌ Harsh chemicals
❌ Pouring boiling water over your prosthesis
❌ Attempting to polish it yourself (including rubbing it on clothing)
👉 Professional polishing is recommended once a year to maintain comfort and appearance.
________________________________________
💧 Dry Eye & Discharge
As seasons change, some people experience increased dryness or discharge.
If this happens to you, it may be related to:
• Environmental changes
• Allergies
• Prosthesis surface condition
If you’re experiencing discomfort, please contact Beryl to arrange an assessment.
________________________________________
🩺 Doctor Visits — Important Notes
If you visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist, please remember:
• Remove your prosthesis before examinations
• Any medication unsafe for contact lenses is also unsafe for prosthetic eyes
• Recurring infections may be prosthesis-related
If symptoms persist, we would be happy to assess the prosthesis.
________________________________________
💸 Need Financial Assistance?
Eyes Alive partners with MediWallet, offering flexible payment options:
✔ 3-month interest-free payment plans
✔ Extended plans up to 18 months
________________________________________
📅 Bookings
📞 Beryl: 083 263 1026
💬 WhatsApp: 072 039 6116
🌐 Online bookings welcome
________________________________________
Yours in eyes,
Beryl & Pedro Carvalho @ Eyes Alive👁️✨

Send a message to learn more

02/02/2026

February________________________________________
👁️ Eyes Alive | February 2026 — Ready, Set, Gone!
Hey, Eyes Alive Family!
January has raced by, and just like that, we’re already in February. Time really does fly!
This month, we thought we’d share some interesting and helpful insights about ocular prostheses—their purpose, history, and care.
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👁️ What Is an Ocular Prosthesis?
According to Wikipedia:
An ocular prosthesis (also known as an artificial or glass eye) is a craniofacial prosthesis used to replace an absent natural eye following enucleation, evisceration, or orbital exenteration.
A person with an ocular prosthesis is blind on the affected side and has monocular (one-sided) vision.
The prosthesis:
• Fits over an orbital implant and under the eyelids
• Is shaped like a convex shell
• Is most commonly made from medical-grade acrylic (PMMA)
• In some countries (notably Germany), glass prostheses are still widely used
A thinner version, called a scleral or haptic shell, may be worn over a damaged eye.
👩‍⚕️ Ocularists, the specialists who make and fit prosthetic eyes, are surprisingly rare — as of 2025, there are fewer than 200 certified practitioners in the United States.
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🕰️ A Brief History
• 2900–2800 BC: The earliest known ocular prosthesis was discovered in Shahr-I Sokhta, Iran — a lightweight artificial eye decorated with gold and worn during the woman’s lifetime.
• Ancient Egypt & Rome: Artificial eyes made from painted clay were worn externally.
• 16th Century Venice: The first glass eyes were developed.
• 18th–19th Century: Paris and later Germany became centres of glass eye production.
• World War II: Acrylic (PMMA) replaced glass in the US due to supply disruptions.
Today, most custom prostheses worldwide are made from acrylic, with glass still used in select countries.
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👁️ Caring for Your Eye Prosthesis — Key Points
✔️ You may sleep with your prosthesis in if your eyelids close fully
✔️ Scleral shells must be removed at night
✔️ Prosthetic eyes can be stored dry overnight
✔️ Clean only with approved products (e.g. Boston Cleaner / Boston Simplus)
🚫 Please don’t:
❌ Use harsh chemicals
❌ Pour boiling water over your eye
❌ Attempt to polish it yourself (including rubbing on clothing)
👉 Professional polishing is recommended once a year
________________________________________
💧 Dry Eye & Discharge
Dry eye is common and may cause increased discharge.
If this affects you, contact Beryl to book an assessment.
________________________________________
🩺 Doctor Visits — Important Notes
• Remove your prosthesis for optometrist or ophthalmologist exams
• Any medication unsafe for contact lenses is also unsafe for prosthetic eyes
• Recurring infections may be prosthesis-related — let us assess
________________________________________
💸 Need Financial Assistance?
Eyes Alive partners with MediWallet, offering:
✔️ 3-month interest-free payment plans
✔️ Extended options up to 18 months
________________________________________
📅 Bookings
📞 Beryl: 083 263 1026
💬 WhatsApp: 072 039 6116
🌐 Online bookings welcome
Yours in eyes,
Beryl & Pedro 👁️✨

Send a message to learn more

12/01/2026

👁️ Eyes Alive | January 2026 — Ready, Set, Go!
Hey, Eyes Alive Family!
Compliments of the season 🌿
We wish you all a happy, healthy 2026.
Many people wanted to book appointments before our December break but couldn’t get in. Now is a great time to book, especially for annual maintenance and polishing.
📅 Bookings
📞 Beryl: 083 263 1026
💬 WhatsApp: 072 039 6116
🌐 Online bookings welcome
________________________________________
👁️ Caring for Your Eye Prosthesis – Key Points
✔️ If your eye was surgically removed, you may sleep with your prosthesis in (unless your lids don’t close fully).
✔️ If you wear a scleral shell, it must be removed at night.
✔️ Prosthetic eyes can be stored dry overnight.
✔️ Clean using approved products (e.g. Boston Cleaner / Boston Simplus).
🚫 Please don’t:
❌ Use harsh chemicals
❌ Pour boiling water over your eye
❌ Try to polish it yourself (including rubbing on clothing)
👉 Professional polishing is needed once a year.
________________________________________
💧 Dry Eyes / Discharge
Dry eye is common and can cause increased discharge. If this affects you, please contact Beryl to book an assessment.
________________________________________
🩺 Doctor Visits
• Remove your prosthesis for Optometrist/Ophthalmologist exams
• Medication unsafe for contact lenses is also unsafe for prosthetic eyes
• Recurring infections may be prosthesis-related — let us assess
________________________________________
💸 Need Financial Assistance?
Eyes Alive partners with MediWallet:
✔️ 3-month interest-free plans
✔️ Options up to 18 months
________________________________________
Best wishes for 2026,
Beryl & Pedro 👁️✨

Send a message to learn more

05/12/2025

👁️ Eyes Alive Seasonal Greetings
Hey, Eyes Alive Family!
Following our last communication, we’d like to confirm that Eyes Alive will be closed from 23 December 2025 to 6 January 2026.
We still have limited space available for:
• Anyone needing a polish before the festive break, and
• Patients wanting to get a new eye before their 2025 medical aid benefits expire.
As the year winds down, we want to thank every one of you for your continued support. We appreciate your trust, your loyalty, and the privilege of caring for you throughout 2025.
We wish our entire Eyes Alive family a fantastic, restorative, and joyful festive season.
Please stay safe, travel well, and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Festive greetings from Beryl and Pedro 🎄👁️✨

Send a message to learn more

18/11/2025

✨ Eyes Alive End-of-Year Eye Care Reminder 👁️

Hey, Eyes Alive Family!

As 2025 draws to a close, many people suddenly realise they still haven't given their prosthesis the attention it needs. Whether you've been:
• Waiting for the school holidays,
• Saving your last 2025 medical aid benefits, or
• Needing an overdue polish,

Now is the perfect time to book before Eyes Alive closes for the festive break. Otherwise, your next appointment may only be in 2026.

⏱️ A Maintenance Polish takes just 30 minutes and leaves your prosthesis looking and feeling great for the festive season.
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💸 Need Financial Assistance?
We know some folks have had a tough year financially, making maintenance or replacement difficult.
That's why Eyes Alive has partnered with MediWallet, offering:
• 3-month interest-free payment plans
• Options up to 18 months

Learn more here – https://www.eyesalive.co.za/more-info/medi-wallet/

How to Know It's Time for a Polish:
• Itchy or irritated eyelids
• Increased discharge
• Changes in appearance or comfort

✅ Why Professional Polishing Matters: Watch this Video - https://www.eyesalive.co.za/more-info/importance-of-a-prosthetic-eye-polishing/

• Removes protein deposits & surface scratches
• Restores comfort, clarity, and shine
• Allows your Ocularist to assess socket health & prosthetic fit

Bonus: Most medical aids cover polishing—we can help you check your benefits!

Dry Eye Relief for Prosthetic Wearers

Wearing an ocular prosthesis can worsen Dry Eye symptoms—your body recognises it as a foreign object.
Our recommendation:

Dr Fischer DRY Hydrating Cleansing Wipes – gentle, effective, and perfect for everyday eyelid hygiene.

🧼 Why These Wipes Are a Game-Changer:
• Soothes, hydrates & protects
• Ideal for eyelid/lash hygiene & makeup removal
• Hypoallergenic, tearless & rinse-free
• Free from preservatives, parabens & fragrance
• Individually packed—great for travel
• Ophthalmologically & dermatologically tested

You can watch the video here on how to use them - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXRm56majBo

💰 R290.00 per box
📦 Courier available
📧 Order via email: pedro@eyesalive.co.za
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📅 Book Your Appointment Today!

Don't wait for discomfort—book your polish, check-up, or new prosthesis assessment now.

👉 Polish Appointments: https://calendly.com/beryl-eyesalive/annual-maintenance?month=2025-11

📞 New eyes or assessments: Call Beryl: 083 263 1026
💬 WhatsApp: 072 039 6116

Thank you for being part of the Eyes Alive family! ❤️

26/09/2025

And we are back in South Africa. Hard at work today, having gained so much from our encounters with the European Association of Ocularists. Thanks, Guys.

19/09/2025

Yes, we did actually attend the European Association of Ocularists 13th Congress in Lisbon. The most amount of Ocularists we have neen in a room with at one time. There we about 50 of us there, from all over Europe, Australia, USA and beyond. Met up with old friends who have been to our congresses in SA as well. Great learning opportunity.

18/09/2025

Pedro and Beryl saw this chap at Sand City in Lagoa today and thought of work. Home next week.

15/09/2025

Pedro and Beryl are sunning themselves in the Algarve after their congress in Lisbon. See you back at work on the 26th Sept 2025.

07/04/2025

This is fantastic.