When Nick’s eye was removed, an orbital implant was surgically implanted to replace the area in the orbit (bony cavity) that was occupied by the eye. The small, spherical implant is not visible but maintains the natural structure of the orbit and provides support for the artificial eye. The orbital implant is made of a material called hydroxyapatite, a man made substance where the mineral in coral is transformed to match human bone. The tissues of Nick’s body accepted and have grown into the naturally derived implant and it essentially has become a living part of his body. The implant will later be covered with a prosthesis to match his other eye.