CAUTION:  Your prosthetic eye is custom fit to your socket, and is only held in place by sitting in the lower fornix (the “pocket” of your lower lid) and the inward pressure of the eyelids.  Although rare, your prosthesis could be dislodged.  Often, this is caused by any action which puts downward tension on the lower lid, (such as rubbing your eye).  Depending on the structure of your socket, there is no guarantee that your eye will not fall out; please discuss any concerns with your ocularist.

CARE & CLEANING OF YOUR OCULAR PROSTHESIS OR SCLERAL COVER SHELL WARNING: ALL PAPER PRODUCTS WILL CAUSE SCRATCHES! DO NOT USE: “kleenex-type” tissues, paper towels, or bath tissues Use only a clean cloth (i.e. wash cloth or handkerchief) when you need to “wipe” your eye. DO NOT EXPOSE THE PROSTHESIS IN ANY WAY TO SOLVENTS  OR ALCOHOL OF ANY TYPE: (i.e. rubbing, “Murine”, “Visine” – USE WATER ONLY!!

CLEANING TO REMOVE PROTEIN DEPOSITS FROM THE PROSTHESIS:

Morning:

1. Wash & rinse hands thoroughly
2. Use a clean washcloth
3. Run VERY WARM water over the washcloth
4. Wrap the cloth over your index finger
5. Press the cloth against the ocular prosthesis—EYES WIDE OPEN.
6. Squeeze the eyelids against the cloth and hold for 20 seconds.
7. REPEAT STEPS 5 AND 6.

  Evening: Repeat steps 1 thru 7 If there is excessive discharge, add an additional cleaning during the day.    

REMOVING AND REINSERTING THE PROSTHESIS:
It should be rare that the prosthesis needs to be removed. However, there are occasions when the socket may become intolerably irritated. An eyelash, dust, or dirt could cause irritation when it gets behind the prosthesis.  In these cases, do the following:

TO REMOVE:
Wash and rinse hands thoroughly. Moisten the tip of the eye remover with water. Lift the upper eyelid with index finger in order to keep eyelashes out of the iris portion of the prosthesis. Squeeze the eye remover and place it on the prosthesis. When you are sure the suction cup is on the prosthesis, release the upper lid. Release the pressure on the eye remover. Pull downward and gently pinch in on your lower lid. Lift the prosthesis up and out.

TO REINSERT:
Wash and rinse hands thoroughly. Moisten the tip of the eye remover with water. Squeeze the eye remover and place it on the prosthetic eye. The top of the prosthesis will be indicated by a red dot. Lift your lid with the index finger of your remaining hand. Slide the upper edge of the prosthesis under the upper lid as far as possible. Take your index finger and gently press towards the nose with eyelids closed. The prosthesis will find its own position. Wipe with a cloth if necessary.