Eight-year-old Logan Dorna cheers on the Blue Jays during their playoff run by wearing their logo on his prosthetic eye.
Logan’s left eye was removed at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto after he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an eye cancer, when he was six months old.
Matthew Milne, an ocularist in the hospital’s eye cancer team, made Logan’s first artificial eye when he was a baby and replaces it about every two years as he grows.
When Logan came to see Mr Milne a few weeks ago for his next prosthetic eye, he had a specific idea in mind.
I wanted to have this special eye because I love playing baseball and I also love watching it
he said during a video interview with his parents from their home in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Friday.
Mr. Milne, who hand paints artificial eyes, made Logan’s with a gold iris and baseball stitching.
He painted the Blue Jays logo on top of the eye. Unlike gold and stitching, it is impossible to make it visible to others, because the top is tucked into the eye socket.
But Logan knows it’s there and can show it to others when he replaces that eye with a second prosthetic eye ordinary
. This one has a brown iris matching its seeing eye.
Logan Dorna’s prosthetic looks like a baseball. The Jays logo is painted on the upper.
Photo: The Canadian Press / courtesy of the Dorna family
She also has a special paint job on top that reflects her interests: a character from the video game series Zelda.
Mr Milne encourages his young patients to choose fun pictures for the top of their prosthetic eyes.
When dealing with a very adult problem like retinoblastoma, I always want to give kids the opportunity to personalize something for themselves, to make it fun
he explained.
Taline Dorna, Logan’s mother, explains that her son wears his Blue Jays eye at every Jays game, because he is convinced that it brings them a little more luck
.
The sports theme also celebrates the efforts Logan made this summer, when he started playing baseball, she said.
With monocular vision, depth perception is really poor. So every time he hits the ball […]it gives him a boost of confidence
says Logan’s mother.
When he’s not at bat, Logan’s favorite time in the game, he’s usually in right field, but sometimes in center and left
he explains.
Taline Dorna and Serge, Logan’s father, hope their son’s acceptance of his artificial eye will inspire other children who are different to be proud and feel accepted.
This is what we always wanted for him […] that there is no social stigma attached to having a prosthetic eye, because it is such a visible difference
explains Ms. Dorna. We want him to always feel confident and not ashamed of who he is, because it is part of his identity.
Logan’s prosthetic eye is connected to eye muscles, allowing him to move in sync with his seeing eye when he looks around, even if he can’t see, Milne said.
Retinoblastoma is rare: there were 15 cases in children aged 14 and under in 2019. However, it is the most common type of eye cancer in children and is often detected before the age of two, according to the Canadian Cancer Society website.
Removing the cancerous eye helps prevent the tumor from spreading elsewhere. After Logan’s eye was removed, he didn’t need any other treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, his mother said.
He now visits the SickKids eye clinic for checkups once a year and sees Mr Milne every two to three months for maintenance of his prosthetic eye.
Logan’s Unique Prosthetic eye: A Champion Both on and off the Field
Table of Contents
Logan Dorna’s story exemplifies courage,resilience,and the power of personalization in the face of adversity. This young baseball fan, diagnosed with retinoblastoma at a young age, doesn’t just watch the Blue Jays; he shows his support with a custom-designed prosthetic eye featuring the team’s logo. This unique embellishment isn’t merely cosmetic; it’s a testament to Logan’s spirit and a powerful statement of self-acceptance. Let’s delve deeper into Logan’s journey and the implications for others facing similar challenges.
The Impact of Personalized Prosthetics
Logan’s experience highlights the growing trend of personalized prosthetics. Ocularists like Mr. Milne are increasingly working with patients to create artificial eyes that reflect their interests and personalities. This allows children like Logan to reclaim agency and express themselves creatively, transforming a medical necessity into a symbol of identity and pride.
A Look at Retinoblastoma and Prosthetic Eyes
Here’s a snapshot of retinoblastoma and the role of prosthetics in managing this condition:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Condition | Retinoblastoma: The most common type of eye cancer in children [[1], [3]] |
| Diagnosis | Frequently enough detected before age two |
| Treatment | Removal of the affected eye (enucleation) is a common treatment to prevent the spread of cancer. |
| Prosthetic Role | Replaces the removed eye, restoring symmetry and aiding in social integration.Prosthetic eyes are also referred to as “prostheses” [[2], [3]] |
| Maintenance | Requires periodic replacements and check-ups due to child growth. |
| Personalization | Allows for custom designs that create a positive association, promotes mental health, and reflects personal interests. |
| Meaning | Improves quality of life, increases self esteem, and assists children in their social and emotional growth. |
Understanding the Details of Ocular Prosthetics
Here’s an overview of the technical aspects:
* Materials and Construction: Ocular prosthetics, or artificial eyes, are typically crafted from medical-grade materials, such as acrylic.
* Customization process: Ocularists hand-paint the iris and other features to match the patient’s remaining eye. In Logan’s case, the addition of the Blue Jays logo is a custom touch.
* Functionality: Artificial eyes are designed to fit comfortably within the eye socket and move in sync with the other eye, though they do not restore vision.
FAQ: Addressing Common Questions
To provide further clarity, here are answers to frequently asked questions about prosthetic eyes and the related topics:
Q: What is a prosthetic eye?
A: A prosthetic eye, also known as an artificial eye or ocular prosthesis, is a custom-made replacement for an eye that has been removed due to injury, illness (like retinoblastoma), or other medical conditions. [[1]]
Q: How are prosthetic eyes made?
A: Prosthetic eyes are typically custom-made by ocularists,who are trained professionals. They take an impression of the eye socket and then use medical-grade materials like acrylic to create the artificial eye. The iris is hand-painted to match the healthy eye,and the prosthesis can be customized.
Q: Can a prosthetic eye see?
A: No,a prosthetic eye does not restore vision. It is primarily designed to improve the appearance and symmetry of the face.
Q: How ofen does a prosthetic eye need to be replaced?
A: The frequency of replacement varies depending on the individual, particularly children whose bodies are still growing. Manny adults get new prosthetics every five to ten years, while children may require replacements more frequently, perhaps every two years, as in Logan’s case.
Q: Is there any risk of infection or other complications?
A: The risk is usually low. The socket must be kept clean according the ocularist’s instructions. Regular check-ups are also crucial to check the health of the eye socket.
Q: How does a child cope with having a prosthetic eye?
A: Support and open communication are key. Support groups and conversations with an ocularist are useful to help the child adjust. Personalizing the prosthetic can make a big difference in a child’s self perception. Logan’s blue jay themed eye does just that.
Q: Where can I find more data?
A: Consult with an ocularist or medical professionals for further details and to get access to reliable sources.
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