FAQ

What is the Digital Iris?
Irises Unlimited's patented technology is leading the industry in prosthetic eyes, producing unique sample iris buttons which streamline the fabrication of ocular prosthetics. Our ultra high resolution digital iris buttons represent nearly every possible human eye color and structure combination. The Digital Iris may be easily integrated in any Ocularist or Artist practice to fabricate high quality prosthetic eyes with precise replication.

How does the Dilating Pupil work?
Our Patent #10,595,987 Dilating Pupil is an optical illusion that gives the perception of a pupil that grows and shrinks in the prescence of changing lighting conditions.

How do I turn down and open an iris to the correct diameter?
The outer edge circumference can be turned down with a sharp, pointed scalpel blade, or equivalent. Care must be taken to shave-off any media or plastic fray from the back outer circumference of the iris button as a final step after sizing the diameter in preparation for packing in sclera. The video below is a demonstration of how to do this:

How do I encapsulate the Digital Iris into sclera?
In our process, the iris is inserted directly into the plaster mold, when the sclera plastic is no longer stringy and has a "snappy" like consistency, it is placed directly on top of the iris in the mold and pressed to 1000psi (~70 bar), it is then secured in a clamp and cooked at 65 degrees C for 20 minutes, and 100 degrees C for 20 minutes in a pressure cooker at 60 psi (~4 bar).

After the cooking process is completed, we cool it slowly and open the limbus using an arbor band, spiral burr, and a fine lab grade pumice or Polycril with water. The cornea over the iris can be further shaved down close to the paper for any overpainting or if you experience any imperfections. The cornea will be replaced once the eye is ready to process in clear plastic with your vein and tint artwork with a spacer. Also, you can check if the iris fits in your mold by placing the button in the mold (after the diameter is turned with a blade) and ensuring it closes properly. You do not need to seal or modify the backside before using them.

The iris button must be treated just like any other completed American Society of Ocularists iris assembly that is ready for final preparation and sizing prior to packing and molding into sclera.
Click here for more information on encapsulating your digital iris

What does the dash number mean?
Each iris has a dash number which corresponds to its value in steps of 5 points of lightness.

A range of irises from- L5 to -5

How will the clear acrylic thickness affect the final iris diameter?
Below is a chart which represents how much the clear plastic will magnify the final diameter of the iris in the finished prosthesis:

Do I have to order online?
We also accept orders via fax using our order forms: +1(818)-758-1786.

Still have another question?
For more information, reach out to us via the Contact page, or feel free to call us at +1(818)-758-1666.