Artificial eye and facial prosthetic clinic

Care & Hygiene

Full Artificial Eye Prosthesis

If you have had the surgical removal of your natural eye you will be fitted with a full ocular prosthesis. Please remove the prosthesis every one to two months. There is a protein deposit that accumulates on the surface and will create socket irritation, discharge and discomfort if not removed consistently and properly. Wash the eye with warm, soapy water for a few minutes. This softens any protein build-up that may have accumulated on the polished surface. Using a soft cloth, firmly rub the eye to remove this deposit. Rinse well in clean water to remove all traces of the soap then re-insert back into the eye socket.

Scleral Shells

If your eye has become phthisical (shrunken) and not surgically removed by an enucleation or evisceration, you will have a scleral shell prosthesis. Please remove the shell each night to allow the underlying globe to rest. Please follow the cleaning instructions as listed above. 

Both prostheses require an annual repolish appointment by an Ocularist for evaluation and resurfacing of your artificial eye. Please call our office to book an appointment with us.

Important Information

• Do not use any chemical or abrasive cleansers on your prosthesis. 
• Never use rubbing alcohol. The use of this liquid will crack the surface of the prosthesis.
• If any problems arise, please contact your ophthalmologist or ocularist.
• Return to your ocularist once a year to have the eye polished and to provide an opportunity for the prosthesis to be evaluated.
• ALWAYS plug the sink if you are cleaning your eye over it so it doesn't fall down the drain!