When an eye is removed, an ocular implant is used to replace the area in the orbit (bony cavity) that was occupied by the eye. This small, spherical implant maintains the natural structure of the orbit and provides support for the artificial eye. The implant itself is not visible however.

An artificial eye is used to restore the natural appearance of the eye and surrounding tissues , and is the visible part of the surgical changes to the socket, artificial eyes are usually made of plastic (acrylic) or glass. Custom artificial eyes are handcrafted by highly skilled ocularists (eye makers) to precisely match the look of the natural eye.

While artificial eyes have been made for thousands of years, the first ocular implants were developed about 100 years ago. These small spheres of glass or gold were later replaced by plastic or silicone spheres; but until recently, the basic design of these "first-generation" implants had changed little over the years.