Prosthetics are a common part of life for many people. This includes not only limbs but also other parts of the body, such as the eyes. Injuries and illness can cause you to need a prosthetic in one of your eye sockets. At Hetzler Ocular Prosthetics, Inc., we offer the best in prosthetics to help you live a more comfortable life. As professionals in the field, we often receive questions about the proper care and upkeep of prosthetics. We pay careful attention to our clients’ needs to see which questions cause the greatest concern. Listening to our patients has enabled us to compile and share a list of common questions and general tips.
Common Eye Prosthetic Questions
1. Do I Have to Remove My Prosthetic Every Night?
In general, you do not need to remove your prosthetic eye daily or when you go to sleep at night. However, note that if you wear a scleral shell, this should be removed at night before going to sleep. This helps prevent such ailments as corneal abrasions, inflammation, and possible damage to the prosthesis.
2. How Do I Remove and Clean My Prosthetic Eye?
If you remove the scleral shell at night, the best cleaning method is to use a mild cleaning solution (such as baby shampoo) to remove any oils that may have collected. Once the scleral shell is cleaned, place it in a sealed container that has been filled with a saline solution designed to be used with contact lenses. If you have a full prosthetic, cleaning should be done every one to two months unless specifically needed. Like the scleral shell, it can be cleaned with mild soap or baby shampoo. Any cleaners with alcohol should be avoided.
3. How Often Should I Replace My Prosthetic Eye?
A prosthetic eye should be replaced every three to five years. Your eye socket changes as time passes, and your existing prosthetic may simply not fit as well as it used to. This can lead to irritation, discharge, and dryness if left unchanged. A loose fit or drooping eyelid are also signs you should have your prosthetic eye replaced.
Any Other Questions?
If you have questions that are not listed here, feel free to contact us. The advice you receive from our office is backed up by decades of experience helping people just like you. As everyone’s needs and treatment plans are different, don’t hesitate to reach out with any specific concerns you may have.