Taking proper care of your prosthetic eye is essential for maintaining your comfort, eye socket health, and the longevity of the prosthesis. Please follow these care guidelines carefully.

Routine Ocularist Visits

• Visit your ocularist at least every 6 months for routine maintenance and to ensure your prosthesis and eye socket remain in good condition.
• Children and older adults may require more frequent visits depending on individual needs.
• Regular check-ups help your ocularist detect any changes or issues early, which can prevent costly complications or surgery.
• Be aware that these preventative visits may not be covered by insurance, even though they are highly recommended.
• Every 3-5 years, your prosthesis should be evaluated for proper fit and function. This helps to ensure maximum comfort and motion while minimizing irritation and socket secretions.  New plastic should be made to remove absorbed toxins that can damage both the prosthesis and the eye socket.

Identifying the Orientation of Your Prosthesis

• Most prosthetic eyes made at Advanced Artificial Eyes, Inc.  have orientation markers:
  • A red nasal blend on the nasal (inner) side.
  • A small red or black dot embedded at the bottom of the prosthesis.
• These markers help you correctly position the prosthesis during insertion.

Insertion and Removal Guidelines

General Advice

• Do not remove your prosthesis frequently. Routine removal can lead to increased dryness, mucus discharge, and irritation
• Most patients can wear their prosthesis for up to 6 months without removal.
• If you experience excessive mucus or sensitivity, you may need to clean it more often—usually no more than once a month.  Please discuss frequency of cleaning with your ocularist.
• Always remove your prosthesis if there is visible debris (e.g., an eyelash) or if instructed by your ocularist or ophthalmologist.

Before Removal

1. Cover the sink drain to prevent accidentally losing your prosthesis.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
3. Attach the suction cup to the iris (center) of the prosthesis.

Removing the Prosthesis

1. Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
2. Slowly slide the prosthesis downward over the bottom lid using the suction cup.
3. If needed, gently rotate the prosthesis slightly clockwise or counterclockwise during removal.
4. Clean the prosthesis with a soft tissue (e.g., Kleenex) and tap water.
   Note: This is a short-term solution only. It is not a substitute for professional cleaning by your ocularist.

Inserting the Prosthesis

1. Use the orientation markers to correctly align the prosthesis.
2. Hold the upper lid open with one hand.
3. Look downward to avoid contact with the sensitive cornea (if applicable).
4. Gently insert the top edge of the prosthesis into the upper socket.
5. Continue to press the prosthesis upward while pulling down the lower lid until the prosthesis is fully seated.
6. Adjust by gently rotating if necessary for a comfortable and secure fit.

Important Reminders

• Frequent removal is discouraged. It increases the risk of infection, irritation, and damage to both the eye socket and prosthesis.
• Do not leave the prosthesis out overnight or for extended periods. This can cause eye socket contraction, dryness, socket irritation, and damage to the prosthesis.
• Always consult your ocularist or ophthalmologist before making changes to your prosthetic care routine.

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If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office. Regular care and proper handling will help ensure long-lasting comfort and function from your prosthetic eye.