One of the most common questions we hear from prosthetic eye wearers is, “How often should you remove your prosthetic eye?” The answer varies as it depends on several factors. They include individual comfort, the type of prosthetic eye, and personal circumstances. In this article, we will take a closer look at the general guidelines for maintaining your prosthetic eye and ensuring your eye socket remains healthy and comfortable.

Should You Remove Your Prosthetic Eye Regularly?

Most wearers find it unnecessary to remove their prosthetic eye frequently. For example, if the prosthetic feels comfortable and there are no signs of irritation or excessive discharge, it can stay in place for weeks or even months at a time. When you leave your artificial eye undisturbed, it allows the tear film to maintain natural lubrication, which is important for a healthy and comfortable eye socket.

Overnight wear, in most cases, is highly recommended. Keeping the prosthetic in place while sleeping may help prevent eyelashes from turning inward and causing irritation within the socket lining. Of course, if you are wearing a cosmetic shell, this is not the case, and you should remove the shell for sleeping.

Exceptions: When To Remove Your Prosthetic Eye

You will be advised, by your Ocularist, what are the best intervals for you to remove and clean your prosthetic eye. Occasionally, there are times when removing your prosthetic eye more often may be required. They include the following circumstances:

• Discomfort or Irritation: If you are experiencing persistent irritation, redness, or excessive discharge, removing the prosthesis to clean it may help.
• Infections: Signs of infection which may include pain, inflammation, or abnormal discharge, should signal you that it is time to contact a healthcare professional.
• Cosmetic Shell Users: If you use a cosmetic shell, which is worn over a disfigured or blind eye, it is recommended that you remove it at night. This permits the natural eye underneath to “breathe” and may prevent complications from developing like oxygen starvation.
• Professional Cleaning: It is essential to have your prosthetic eye professionally cleaned and polished every six months.

Proper Care When Removing Your Prosthetic Eye

Follow these steps to safely handle your prosthetic eye when you remove it for any reason:

• Wash Your Hands: When your hands are clean, you reduce the risk of introducing bacteria to your eye socket.
• Gently Remove the Prosthetic: Pull down the lower eyelid to expose the edge of the prosthetic. Use clean fingers or a suction device to lift it out carefully.
• Clean the Prosthetic: At James H Morphett, we have found it is best to use a hard contact lens cleaning solution specifically designed for use with PMMA. Do not use detergents, disinfectants, or alcohol, as these can cause damage to the surface of your prosthetic eye.
• Store Properly: If you prefer to remove your prosthesis overnight, ensure you store it in a clean container to prevent it getting damaged.

Maintaining Comfort Without Frequent Removal

Frequent removal of your prosthetic eye is not necessary and can disrupt the delicate tear film that keeps the socket lubricated. Instead, you can use artificial tears or other prosthetic eye lubricants to maintain comfort and cleanliness. Products like specialised eye drops mimic the natural tear film and help prevent irritation from debris or environmental factors.

When you use these lubricants, apply a small amount directly to the prosthetic eye. To evenly distribute the product, blink once or twice. Refrain from wiping it away immediately so that the lubricant has time to coat the prosthetic. This will result in optimal effectiveness.

Why Professional Care Matters

Even if you perform proper in-home maintenance, regular visits to an ocularist for prosthetic eye care are essentialfor long-term eye health. Professional cleaning and polishing every 1-2 years will remove debris and ensure the prosthetic eye remains smooth and comfortable. In addition, these appointments allow your ocularist to assess the fit of the prosthesis and address any changes noted with your eye socket.

Conclusion

The frequency with which to remove your prosthetic eye depends on your unique needs and preferences. In general, it is best to leave the prosthesis undisturbed for 4-6 weeks… unless you experience discomfort, irritation, or specific circumstances require you to remove it. Proper cleaning, lubrication, and professional care are vital to maintaining the health of your eye socket and the longevity of your prosthetic eye.

For expert guidance and support with your prosthetic eye, consider consulting with a trusted ocularist like James H. Morphett. With decades of experience, he can provide you with personalised care to help you maintain comfort and confidence in your prosthetic. Contact us here to make a booking.