One of the most common questions presented at the clinic is when to clean the prosthesis.
How often should I remove the artificial eye?
Generally, it is not necessary to remove your artificial eye unless discomfort or excessive discharge is experienced. As long as your artificial eye feels comfortable it can be worn all the time.
Can I wear it while sleeping?
Yes, wearing overnight is acceptable- it may also prevent eyelashes from turning inwards and irritating the socket lining.
Current advice is that and artificial eye should be left alone as much as possible. Just how often an eye should be removed and cleaned in the long term, will be an individual’s preference. However, appreciating care is an important part of wearing an artificial eye.
Can I wash my artificial eye?
It can be washed in warm water with ordinarily unscented baby soap (no expensive solution are needed) then rinsed thoroughly and replaced. Care should be taken to avoid dropping the eye where it could be chipped or even lost.
Do I need any medicines?
If your socket needs lubrication, artificial tears (available over the counter and pharmacies) are advised to be used.
Storing the customized artificial eye
1 If you prefer to remove your artificial eye throughout the night. It is best to store it in a container of water provided by us. Storing an eye this way will prevent the prosthesis from completely drying out.
2 It is not unusual if you experience some discharge from your socket. The lining is essentially a mucous membrane and symptoms can vary with changes in atmosphere, weather etc.
3 However if your socket appears to be having any signs of infection; (redness, inflammation or excessive discharge, pain etc.) we should be contacted as simple infections can often be treated quickly and effectively wit antibiotic drops or ointment.
4 Never attempt to clean the artificial eye with detergents, disinfectants or alcohol. This will permanently damage the artificial eye surface.
