Features and management of an acute allergic response to acrylic ocular prostheses.

PURPOSE

To report the occurrence, causes and treatment of an acute allergic response to the acrylic resin used in ocular prostheses.

METHODS

Retrospective review of presenting history, clinical findings and treatment of two cases.

RESULTS

Both patients developed an acute onset hypersensitivity reaction thought to be due to the acrylic resin found in the ocular prosthesis. The first patient was successfully switched to a glass eye. The prosthesis of the second patient was treated with an extra long curing cycle, after which, the patient was able to tolerate their prosthesis with no complications.

CONCLUSION

The residual unpolymerized monomer that is present within poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) can rarely cause an allergic reaction. As an alternative to a glass eye the prosthesis may be subjected to an extended curing cycle converting more of the monomer to polymer.