Background
eyeball deformities, palpebral muscle tone, infections, CAD, orthodontic, denture, palpebral collapse
CNS INFECTIONS, INFECTIONS, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, CAVITY, CONJUNCTIVA, CAD
The objectives of treating anophthalmic patients with ocular prostheses are to restore facial aesthetics and self-esteem. This involves repairing eyeball deformities, protecting the anophthalmic cavity, preserving the palpebral muscle tone, inhibiting palpebral collapse, restoring lachrymal direction, and preventing the accumulation of lachrymal fluid within the eye cavity [However, wearers of ocular prostheses encounter varying degrees of comfort. Often, they exhibit symptoms of chronic discharge and irritation. Several factors have been proposed as underlying causes of these issues. One such factor is the alterations that occur in the conjunctival flora after enucleation and subsequent use of ocular prostheses [Numerous studies have investigated the microbial composition of the conjunctival flora within the anophthalmic cavity. The majority of these studies have demonstrated higher rates of pathogens in the socket compared to the normal conjunctival flora [These conspicuous changes in the socket flora may arise due to modifications in the conjunctival epithelium following enucleation or evisceration surgery. The absence of the globe and the use of an artificial eye led to various alterations on the ocular surface. Firstly, the bulbar conjunctiva is no longer swept by the eyelids. Secondly, the ocular prosthesis, functioning as a foreign body, can cause frictional irritation of the conjunctiva during its movement [Furthermore, the presence of dead space [A significant advancement in the realm of customized ocular prostheses is the utilization of digital technology, including Computer-Aided Designing (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), which hold the key to creating accurate and aesthetically pleasing ocular prosthesis. Few studies have explored the construction of digital ocular prostheses, all of which have shown promising results in terms of aesthetics, fit, and patient satisfaction [Finally, some studies suggest that the material and surface roughness of ocular prosthesis can influence interactions with microorganisms, potentially leading to the establishment of biofilm bacteria, which may, in turn, result in infections. As for the material used in the fabrication of ocular prostheses, thermally activated acrylic resin remains the most commonly employed material in clinical practice [Acrylic resin is the most commonly used material for fabricating artificial eyes due to its excellent physical and mechanical properties [Poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is another material used, but it has its drawbacks. It is a porous material that is prone to microbial biofilm accumulation [With the introduction of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology in the fabrication of ocular prostheses, 3D-printed acrylic resin has become a notable material choice. Generally, 3D-printed resins show promise for clinical applications due to their improved mechanical and physical properties, making them suitable for replacing conventional fabrication techniques [Several studies have compared the different properties of 3D-printed photopolymerized resin to conventional PMMA resins in applications such as denture bases, temporary crowns, and orthodontic appliances [Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the microbiological properties of digitally designed 3D-printed biocompatible resins in comparison to conventionally manufactured heat-cured acrylic resin, which is the most commonly used material for ocular prostheses. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of infections in the anophthalmic cavity when using different types of ocular prostheses designs and materials. The null hypothesis of this study posits that there is no difference between the microbiotas of anophthalmic socket after use of both types of ocular prostheses material.