Katie Piper, a TV presenter who suffered a brutal acid attack more than 16 years ago, has revealed she will be getting an artificial eye following “many years of battling” with her health. Piper, who has had hundreds of surgeries to repair damage to her face and eyesight, has decided to try a prosthetic eye shell in an effort to ease the sensitivity she feels surrounding her eyes. The news was shared on Instagram in a post which also featured a video of her being fitted with the prosthetic.
Piper’s attack took place in her 20s on the orders of her then-partner. Since then, she has become an advocate for people with facial disfigurements, setting up her own charity aimed at making life easier for burn and scar survivors. In 2009, she made a documentary about her experience called Katie: My Beautiful Face. More recently, she was awarded an OBE for her charity work and campaigning on behalf of victims of burns and other disfigurement injuries.
The prosthetic eye shell – or cosmetic shell – Piper will use is a thin artificial eye that is manufactured specifically for each patient. It is designed to fit over a damaged or blind eye to improve appearance. Medical consultant Dr Chris Smith explains that the prosthetic is often used when people feel self-conscious about their eyes.
Piper thanked both the NHS and private healthcare providers for their “talent and kindness”, and expressed hope that she would be able to tolerate the prosthetic. She also invited others who are on a similar journey to share their experiences and any advice they may have
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