CARING FOR YOUR PROSTHESIS

Wear Eye Protection

You no longer have two natural eyes. Please protect the remaining one at all times.

Inserting Your Prosthesis

To re-insert the prosthesis, place a few drops of lubricating solution on the prosthesis, lift your upper eyelid, and slide the prosthesis behind the lid as far as it will go. Then let go of your upper lid and pull down gently on your lower eyelid, and the prosthesis will slip in. 

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Removing Your Prosthesis

To remove the prosthesis, press down on the lower eyelid so that the lower edge of the prosthesis slides out and down. It can be helpful to use a suction cup to hold the prosthesis, or you can allow it to drop into your hand.
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Cleaning Your Prosthesis

  • With the prosthesis removed, wash with a mild soap such as Ocusoft or baby shampoo.
    • ​Never use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol to clean your prosthesis.
    • Never wash the prosthesis with any abrasive soaps, such as Lava or toothpaste, because it will slowly wear away the polished surface creating a dull, non-lifelike appearance. 
  • Carefully pick up the prosthesis as it will be slippery.  We recommend placing a cloth in the bottom of the sink and closing the lid to the toilet if you plan to clean your prosthesis in the bathroom.
  • Using a wet soapy cotton washcloth, rub the prosthesis vigorously.
  • Use as hot of water as your hands can tolerate. Make sure to rinse all soap residue from the prosthesis and your hands before re-inserting the prosthesis. ​

​Less often is better than too often. Removing and replacing the prosthesis too often can cause more problems then it solves. Only take out the prosthesis to clean it when necessary.

​You may use a warm wet compress to remove crust/clean the prosthesis surface in the mornings. At bedtime, use a lubricant and either dilute baby shampoo or Ocusoft to clean the lashes. 

Lubricants

Use lubricants to keep the prosthesis comfortable if it feels dry. You can use mineral oil or artificial tears on your prosthetic, but remember that a little goes a long way.

Preventing Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis 

  • Use Lubricants
  • Have your prosthesis polished by your ocularist every six (6) months

Take Care of Your Remaining Eye

Make sure to wear protective eyewear at all times. Polycarbonate-unbreakable shatterproof glasses are the best. Think ahead and be extra cautious when pouring bleach or hammering nails, etc. Make sure you have a yearly dilated eye exam to detect any problems in your good eye as early as possible.