You can expand the functionality of your artificial eye by exercising timely prosthetic eye care and maintenance. However, a time will still come when you need to replace your device. Typically, a well-maintained one should last for five years before requiring a replacement. These are some of the signs it’s time to get a new one:
1. Frequent Eye Infections
You should not experience many eye infections if you’re maintaining, lubricating, and polishing your prosthesis on schedule. Thus, it may have just run its course or reached its end of life if you find yourself with recurring ailments.
2. Strange Appearance
You might notice that your eye seems to droop or have a non-symmetrical appearance. The issue may be due to the facial changes that occur with age. In other words, your old prosthesis may no longer fit the shape your face had years ago. Therefore, you need a new one suited to your current structure.
3. Worn Materials
It could be time to swap your prosthesis if you see indications of worn material. The unit is constantly exposed to the elements and your body’s varying temperatures and substance. The versatility of the exposure can cause the materials to wear down and show signs, which indicates it’s time for a new product.
4. Irritation or Dryness
Dryness is a tell-tale sign of when to replace prosthetic eye components. You’ll need to see a specialist if you experience sudden irritation, dryness, or discomfort in the area surrounding your eye. If you’re unsure if it’s time to change prosthetics, you can try to have someone polish your old one first. Wait to see if the dryness returns, and then speak to a professional.
5. Eyelid Droopiness
Another sign it’s time for a change is a sudden droopiness in the side where your prosthetic is located. You’ll most likely notice this issue occurring in your eyelid area. Over time, gravity, weight, and wear can cause the piece to lose its firm placement.
These shifts will be quite noticeable the closer it gets to replacement time. To avoid having your eyelid function decline any further, you should see your eye doctor and have him examine your prosthesis for wear.
6. Draining
Several issues can cause draining, but it’s usually a sign that it’s time for a new eye in those who have prostheses. Proper eye maintenance calls for frequent polishing. Therefore, you should have your caretaker polish it at least once every six months. You might need to replace the eye if you experience draining despite your efforts to maintain the one you have correctly.
7. Spinning
Your prosthetic shouldn’t move easily if it’s fitted properly. However, its stability and snugness can fade over time. Looseness and easy spinning indicate that you might need to have a new one installed.
Don’t be alarmed if you experience one of the symptoms mentioned above, as it only indicates that it’s time for a swap. Contact your eye care professional and schedule an appointment right away.