Caring for your ocular prosthesis
Your ocular prosthesis is designed to last many years with proper care.
How to insert your prosthesis
First, wash your hands thoroughly.
It’s a good idea to spread towel in front of you to protect the prosthesis in case you drop it. You may want to lubricate the prosthesis with carbomer gel or artificial tears to assist in the insertion.
While you insert your prosthesis it helps to keep your gaze downward. This opens up your eye socket to allow the prosthesis to enter more easily.
Lift your upper eyelid just below your lashes. Holding the prosthesis with your other hand, slide the top of the prosthetic under the eyelid as far as possible.
While pushing the prosthesis upwards move the hand holding your upper eyelid to the lower lid and pull down gently on the lower eyelid.
Gently push the lower edge of the prosthesis into the socket, allowing the lower lid to slide up over the bottom edge of the prosthesis.
How to remove your prosthesis
Spread a soft towel in front of you.
Gaze upward while you remove the prosthesis to open the socket.
Cup your hand under your eye to catch the eye as it is removed.
Pull down your lower eyelid close to your nose.
Run your forefinger outward along the lower lid while pressing it.
The prosthesis should slide out into your hand.
If you have difficulty removing your prostheses you may wish to use a suction cup. Please ask you ocularist for one.
If no eye is present, you will rarely need to remove your prosthesis. After you have adjusted to it, you will only need to remove it occasionally for cleaning. If you are wearing a shell over your eye it should always be removed and cleaned before you go to bed.
How to clean your prosthesis
Your prosthetic can be worn day and night if no eye is present. You can wash the prosthesis periodically in or out of the socket. It’s best to leave it in the socket as the socket can contract if left empty.
To wash the prosthesis while in the socket, use an over-the-counter saline solution. Squeeze drops onto the prosthesis as you would with regular eye drops.
To wash the prosthesis while it is out of the socket, use a mild soap and warm water.
Take care not to drop your ocular prosthesis. This can chip or scratch the surface, which must be repaired by your ocularist. If you are not wearing your prosthesis for any length of time, store dry in a container.
Prosthesis comfort
It may take a few weeks to get used to the feeling of a new prosthetic.
If you have started wearing a cosmetic shell over your eye you will need to build up the wear time. You may only be able to initially wear the shell for around an hour, slowly building up wear over time. Artificial eyes where no eye is present should be worn at all times.
In most cases, the glands and tear ducts in your eye will function normally with your prosthesis. You may notice an increase in secretions. This can be caused by wind, head colds, allergies, extreme temperatures, or failure to wash hands thoroughly before handling the prosthesis. When this happens, you can give you prosthetic a clean but leave it in. If this continues if may be a sign that your prosthesis needs a polish.
If you experience dryness in the eye, artificial tears are available from the chemist or carbomer gel can be requested from your GP. Allergy eye drops can also be useful.
Maintenance
You should have your prosthesis checked once a year. During this visit, your prosthetic will be polished, and the fit will be examined. Also, the socket will be checked for a healthy appearance. These visits usually take round 30 minutes and are well worth the investment in maintaining your prosthesis.
