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Imagine losing part of your face to disease or in an accident.

Surgeons can repair the damage, but the only way to look normal is to rely on artificial body parts that cost thousands of dollars.

Researchers in Houston are trying to put a new face on prosthetics.

Electricity is something Richard Nonamaker understands and respects.

“I was burnt down to the bone the right side of my face completely down to the bone,” he said.

A prosthesis masks his injury almost perfectly.

“I’m wearing it anywhere from 12 to 18 hours a day,” Nonamaker said.

His new eye is made from a new material known as CPE.

Dr. Sudarat Kiat-Amnuay is studying chlorinated polyethylene to see if it’s better than the current silicone prosthesis.

“Fungus loves to grow on to silicone,” she said.

The study should determine if the new product is safer for patients.

Researchers already know it is a lot cheaper: CPE costs about one-tenth of what silicone does.

“At least we have choice,” Dr. Kiat-Amnuay said. “Right now we have one material used for the past many, many years.”

More patients with facial prostheses are needed for the research, which will go on for two more years at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the UT Houston Dental Branch.

If the study finds what researchers expect, the material could change the face of prosthetics.

Nonamaker already knows his new eye is 20/20 when it comes to a better quality of life.

If you would like to participate in the study, contact the M.D. Anderson Dental Oncology Clinic at (713) 563-1806.

You do not have to be a cancer patient to participate; it’s for anyone who wears or needs a facial prosthesis.