One of the most common questions presented at the clinic is when to clean a prosthesis. Generally, it is not necessary to remove an artificial eye unless discomfort or excessive amount of discharge is experienced. As long as the artificial eye feels comfortable and the surface is smooth and shiny it can be worn all the time. Let the situation dictate. Ideally, remove the prosthesis only when necessary. Use warm to hot (not boiling) water, wash with an unscented soap or something like Elizabeth Anne baby shampoo ,or hard contact lens cleaner rubbing thoroughly between fingers and rinsing off thoroughly before re-inserting. Most people prefer to use a lubricating drop e.g. Cellufresh ,into the socket before re-inserting. Others prefer something more viscous such as celluvisc on the prosthesis as well. If the lids present with a crustiness, it is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong and you should consult you nearest Ocularist.

Wearing overnight if comfortable is acceptable if lid closure is fine. Your ocularist could assess this with you. If the eye is removed at night it is important to keep it in clean dust free container. (Tip: an empty 35 mm plastic camera film container with a press-on lid makes an excellent container for an artificial eye).

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 the atmosphere, weather, etc. However, if you socket appears to have any signs of infection, (redness, inflammation, or excessive discharge, pain, etc), your ophthalmologist should be contacted immediately.

It must be mentioned that a condition called Giant papillary conjunctivitis can occur if the prostheses is not totally smooth or if there is a problem with the plastic . There are some medicated drops and ointment which affects the plastic. The socket tissue also changes quite often causing a change in the fit of the prostheis.(As adults these lenses must be replaced every 5 years. At times it could be advised to do this sooner...)

In addition, this condition of GPC can be extremely debilitating as it is very uncomfortable (even sore) and it causes a pussy weepy socket and the prosthesis should not ideally be worn during this time which sometimes leads into months! Also remember that if there is a re-occurrence, the plastic might need replacing as bad infections could be absorbed into the plastic of the prosthesis.

Sinus infections or hayfever is often the cause for a weepy socket.

Lubrication of the socket is very important. A dry eye can cause a lot of problems! There are a lot of very useful products on the market but contact your ocularist for advice and brand names.

For the best possible comfort and appearance, polishing is recommended at intervals of between 6-12 months, or if the eye appears cloudy or gritty.

NEVER USE DETERGENTS, DISINFECTANTS, ALCOHOL, BRASSO, TOOTHPASTE, ETC. ON THE EYE. THEY WILL IRRITATE THE SOCKET TISSUE AND DAMAGE THE PROSTHESIS. Also only use contact lens solution for hard lenses as those for soft lenses contain bleaching agents which can have an adverse reaction to the eye. Certain antibiotic drops can also damage the prosthesis. Please find out from your ocularist which these are so that you can remove prosthesis while using them.

For more information see our FAQ section.

Wash the prosthesis with a mild soap such as Elizabeth Anne Baby Shampoo, rubbing it between fingertips and dry and polish prosthesis with a clean tissue obtaining a shiny lustre to the front surface. Wet\lubricate prosthesis and\or socket and replace.

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