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

ABSTRACT

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.