- NEVER clean or soak your prosthesis in alcohol because it will crack the plastic and destroy the prosthesis.
- Remove the prosthesis only as instructed by your ocularist. Too much handling can cause irritation and excessive secretions. If you remove your prosthesis, be sure to store it in a safe location and wash it with soap before reinserting. It is recommended to store the prosthesis in contact lens solution. This will keep deposits from drying on the surface.
- To clean your prosthesis, use a mild liquid soap or baby shampoo. Wash the eye between your fingertips. A damp washcloth or cotton ball is also helpful to wipe away softened deposits from the surface.
- If you wish or need to rinse out the socket, use sterile saline with an eye cup or bulb syringe. Usually the eye cup can be used with the prosthesis left in place. Sterile saline is available at the drugstore and is found in the contact lens solution section of the store. We recommend saline solution that is preserved with Sorbic Acid.
- Any eye drops that your doctor may have prescribed for you can be used with the eye in place. It helps to lean your head back in a lounge chair or sofa for a few minutes to allow the drops to reach behind the prosthesis.
- Your tear layer in most cases will provide all the lubrication necessary. However, if needed there are lubricating drops available and we can help you select the best drop for you as required. Sometimes eye drops can be very beneficial against dryness, especially on extra dry or windy days.
- Finally, it is important that you return routinely, every 6 months to have your prosthesis checked, cleaned and re-glazed. This will prolong the life of the prosthesis, which is approximately 5 years, and make it look better and feel more comfortable. If any problems should arise, be sure to call and ask us.
