Caring for Your Ocular Prosthesis
Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality in ocular prosthetic care.
Your new artificial eye is made of the finest quality acrylic – methyl methacrylate resin – obtainable. We have taken every precaution to ensure no irritating substances are present in the finished prosthesis through our choice of materials and by the method used in the design and creation of your prosthesis.
The shape of your ocular prosthesis works with the anatomy of your socket to provide the best possible comfort, movement, and life-like appearance. It is hand painted using a special method to match, as accurately as possible, the color and character of the companion eye giving the appearance of living tissue.
Please carefully review the Care Instructions, and Warnings and Helpful Hints in our Care Booklet.
Inserting the Prosthesis
Inserting your work of art is easy. Before beginning, wash the prosthesis between your hands with a non-abrasive, fragrance and moisturizer-free soap and hot water, then follow the steps below.
Hold the prosthesis between your thumb and middle finger. Lift the upper lid with your other hand.
Gently slide the top of the prosthesis under the upper lid.
Hold the prosthesis in place with your index finger as you pull down the lower lid with your other hand.
Removing the Prosthesis
Without a Suction Cup
Pull down the lower lid with your index finger, look up and allow the prosthesis to slide out over the lower lid.
With a Suction Cup
Wet the cup, squeeze the stem, and press it against the prosthesis. Relax the squeeze and confirm the cup grips.
Hold down the lower lid as you tilt the prosthesis out and over the lower lid.
Cleaning & Polishing
As one wears the eye over a period of time minute scratches appear on the surface of the eye (caused by continual lid action against the eye and by handling). These scratches cause the eye to begin to appear dull and can also cause some mattering problems. Therefore, we recommend that the prosthesis be polished in our office at least at six month intervals to ensure proper comfort and cosmesis. We also recommend that the patient see his/her ophthalmologist at least once a year or as often as the doctor directs.
Call (480) 962-5841 or contact us online to enquire about polishing your ocular prosthesis.
Lubricants
Lubrication is extremely important for artificial eye recipients due to the reduced tear production in their sockets. To ensure optimal health and comfort, using a lubricant daily is very important. There are several different types of lubricants out there- water base, preservative free, salve or oil. The type recommended depends on the person’s socket needs and personal preference.
Recommended Supplies
There are many common supplies that can be used and purchased from your local grocery store, such as water based eye drops, Qtips and cotton swabs. For your convenience we have provided here in our online store several supplies that cannot be found in local stores.
