The days of daily removal and cleaning of an artificial eye are gone. Most ocularists and ophthalmologists now agree that if the ocular prosthesis is not causing irritation to the eye socket, it should be left alone. It may however require occasional lubrication depending on the function of the tear ducts or other natural lubricants of the eye socket. In fact, it is now believed that handling the ocular prosthesis can increase the chance of infection in the eye socket and it should only be handled when necessary. However, the area surrounding the eye socket such as the eye lid and eye lashes should be cleaned daily in order to remove buildup of the eye's natural secretions. When cleaning this area, it is important to remember to only rub from the outside of the eye towards the nose as not to displace the prosthesis.
Occasionally, the artificial eye can acquire protein build ups or other irritants that may require its removal and cleaning. Before you begin this process, make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands with an antibacterial soap in order to lessen the chances of infecting the socket. To remove the artificial eye, simply pull down the lower lid and look upward, which allows the prosthesis to slide out over the lower lid. Make sure you place the palm of your free hand on your cheek to catch the prosthesis as it slides out. There are also suction cups available to help with the removal of an ocular prosthesis if needed. Once removed, it is important to keep the prosthesis wet with either water or saline solution so that any secretions on the eye do not dry on the surface of the prosthesis. The artificial eye can be gently cleaned with an antibacterial soap and a cotton ball. It is important not to use rubbing alcohol or any other harsh chemical as they can damage the ocular prosthesis.
If needed, you can also clean out the eye socket with a saline solution while the artificial eye is removed. Using a bulb syringe and sterile saline solution, both of which can be found at any drug store, simply flush the eye socket to remove any debris or build up. Once the artificial eye and the eye socket have been cleaned, the ocular prosthesis can be reinserted by holding the prosthesis between the thumb and forefinger and with the other hard, lift the upper eye lid. Then, gently slide the top of the prosthesis under the upper eye lid and hold in place while you pull down the lower eye lid with your other hand so that it slips over the bottom of the prosthesis holding it in place.
Other than occasional at home cleanings, it is important to return to your ocularist once or twice a year in order to have the eye checked, professionally cleaned and polished. This will help ensure a natural look and increase the longevity of the ocular prosthesis. Plus, the ocularist will be able to detect the subtle changes in the prosthesis or socket that may require an adjustment.
Artificial eyes are relatively low maintenance prosthesis and actually benefit from limited care due to decreased risk of damage or infection. For this reason, an ocular prosthesis is easy to care for and maintain and although the concept of removing an eye might seem overwhelming at first, it is rarely required and quality ocular prostheses are designed for simple removal, insertion and maintenance.
