If you have a prosthetic eye, you may wonder whether it is safe to sleep with it in place or if you should remove it at night. This is a common question, especially for new wearers or parents caring for a child with an artificial eye. There is good news – in most cases, sleeping with a prosthetic eye is safe. That being said, there are some important considerations to note so you can stay comfortable and avoid problems.

This article will explain what is generally safe, what to avoid, and when it may be time to seek professional advice.

Is It Safe to Sleep with a Prosthetic Eye In?

For most, it is perfectly safe to keep your prosthetic eye in place while sleeping. In fact, many ocularists recommend leaving it in overnight unless there is a specific reason to remove it. This is because when you keep the prosthetic eye in place overnight, it helps maintain the natural shape of the eye socket and supports the eyelids while you sleep.

Wearing your prosthetic eye overnight can also reduce irritation caused by eyelashes turning inward. For many wearers, leaving a prosthetic eye in place results in fewer problems than removing it too often.

When Should You Remove A Prosthetic Eye at Night?

There are situations where removing a prosthetic eye at night may be suggested. For example, if you suffer from ongoing discomfort, redness, pain, or excessive discharge, you may find removal could help your eye socket settle. In these cases, it is important to discuss these matters with your ocularist for proper direction.

Removing the prosthetic eye may also be recommended during periods of infection or inflammation. If you notice swelling, increasing redness, or experience unusual pain, it is best to seek medical advice before you continue to wear the prosthetic eye overnight.

Sleeping With A Scleral Shell

A scleral shell is different from a full prosthetic eye. It fits over a natural but damaged or unsighted eye. In many cases, a scleral shell should be removed at night. The reason for this is that removal gives the natural eye underneath a chance to rest and receive oxygen. This helps prevent irritation and long-term issues.

If you wear a scleral shell, your ocularist will provide you with the instructions you need for nighttime removal and safe storage.

Best Sleeping Positions for Prosthetic Eye Wearers

When you have a prosthetic eye, you can usually sleep well in any position. However, sleeping on your side or back is usually the safest. The key is to avoid prolonged pressure directly on the eye socket.

Using a clean, supportive pillow can help decrease irritation. Pillowcases should be washed regularly to reduce dust, oils, and bacteria that can cause discharge or discomfort.

Common Night-Time Issues and How to Manage Them

Some people may notice dryness overnight or a mild discharge in the morning. This is considered normal and can be impacted by various factors, including weather, air conditioning, or seasonal changes.

Just remember that if you find crusting or discharge when you wake up, gentle cleaning of the eyelids with warm water if often enough. Avoid rubbing the prosthetic eye or eye socket, as this can result in irritation or mucus production.

Lubricating Eye Drops Before Bed – What Helps and What Doesn’t

You may find that using a small amount of eye drop lubricant before bed improves comfort overnight. Or you may not need that at all. Let personal preference guide you, along with how your eye socket responds.

If you do choose to use lubricating eye drops, remember to apply them gently. Allow your natural blinking reaction to spread the drops for you. Avoid wiping them away immediately, as it will remove the protective layer you are trying to maintain.

Signs Your Prosthetic Eye Should Be Checked After Sleep Issues

If you normally wake up experiencing pain, redness, minor swelling, or increasing discharge, your prosthetic eye may require professional attention. Changes in comfort during sleep may also signal that the way your prosthetic eye fits may have changed over time.

Do not ignore ongoing sleep-related discomfort. A professional review can usually resolve these issues with just a simple adjustment or cleaning.

Seeking Professional Advice

Every eye socket is different. What may work well for one person may not work for you. However, your ocularist can give you personalised advice based on your prosthetic eye, socket health, and daily routine.

If you notice changes in your comfort overnight, or if you are not sure whether or not you should remove your prosthetic eye at night, do not hesitate to seek the advice of a professional.

Conclusion

For most, sleeping with a prosthetic eye in place is safe and usually the best option for comfort and socket health. Leaving your prosthetic eye in overnight has benefits, as it can help support the eyelids, decrease irritation, and maintain the natural shape of the eye socket. However, there are situations that may require a different approach. They would include ongoing discomfort, changes in discharge, or wearing a scleral shell.

The important thing to remember is to listen to your body and note any changes in how your prosthetic eye feels, particularly overnight. Comfort during sleep can change over time, and small issues are usually easier to resolve when they are addressed early.

If more than 2 years have passed since your last visit, or if your prosthetic eye feels uncomfortable during sleep, it may be time for a professional review. Contact us to book an appointment or to discuss concerns you may have.