The Complete Guide to Ocular Prosthesis Care and Maintenance.

✨ Guide to Ocular Prosthesis Care: Maximizing Comfort and Longevity A standard acrylic prosthesis typically lasts 3–5 years but may need replacement sooner if the socket changes shape (e.g., due to growth or weight fluctuation). Professional check-up and polishing are mandatory at least once a year to remove protein deposits, restore the smooth, glossy finish, and reduce discharge/irritation. Minimize removal frequency most artificial eyes are removed only monthly or for professional polishing, not daily, unless instructed. Clean the eye using HARD contact lens cleaner or mild, pH-neutral soap, followed by a thorough rinse with sterile saline or water. NEVER use alcohol, bleach, detergents, or solvents, as these permanently damage the acrylic surface. Always handle the prosthesis over a soft towel to prevent damage from accidental drops. Use artificial tears or mineral oil to lubricate the eye, and apply lubricating gel before sleep to prevent crusting. Wash hands thoroughly before insertion or removal, and follow the specific steps (using an extractor for a prosthesis, fingers for a cosmetic shell). Conformers require twice-daily cleaning with cooled boiled water to maintain clear ventilation holes. Protect your remaining natural eye by wearing polycarbonate protective eyewear during hazardous activities and scheduling a yearly dilated eye exam.

✨ Guide to Ocular Prosthesis Care Maximising Comfort, Health, and Longevity. Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Always follow the exact instructions given l - Lifespan & Professional Maintenance (Annual Checkup) 1. Expected Lifespan & When to Replace A high-quality acrylic ocular prosthesis typically lasts 3–5 years, but earlier replacement may be required due to: • Changes in the socket: Ageing, weight changes, or healing can alter the socket shape, causing irritation or discharge. • Children’s growth: Pediatric prostheses must be replaced or enlarged more frequently. • Environmental exposure: Dust, chemicals, and harsh environments can damage the surface. • Visible wear: Scratches, colour fade, chipping, or loss of gloss on the acrylic. 2. Why Professional Polishing Is Mandatory. You must visit your ocularist at least once a year (every 6 months for children) for polishing and a full socket evaluation. What Professional Polishing Does • Removes deposits: Protein, mucus, and salt build-up create friction. • Restores smoothness: Blinking causes micro-scratches polishing renews the glossy finish. • Reduces discharge: A smooth surface greatly decreases irritation. • Checks socket health: Detects early signs of inflammation, shrinkage, or poor fit. • Prevents complications: Stops minor irritation from turning into a chronic infection or granuloma. Without polishing, the prosthesis becomes rough, irritating, and uncomfortable, increasing discharge and raising the risk of inflammation. II. Home Care: Cleaning, Handling & Lubrication 1. Minimising Removal Modern standards recommend removing the prosthesis as little as possible. How Often to Remove: • Artificial Eye (Acrylic Prosthesis): Many wearers remove it monthly, every 2–3 months, or only during professional polishing. Do NOT remove daily unless instructed . • Cosmetic Shell: Remove daily for cleaning. Do not sleep with it. • Conformer: Remove and clean twice daily with cooled boiled water to keep ventilation holes clear. 2. Cleaning Instructions Recommended Cleaners • HARD contact lens cleaner (as advised) • Mild, pH-neutral soap (unscented hand soap, baby shampoo) Cleaning Steps 1. Wash your hands. 2. Place the prosthesis in your palm. 3. Apply a few drops of cleaner. 4. Gently rub all surfaces. 5. Rinse thoroughly with sterile saline or warm sterile water. NEVER Use: ❌ Alcohol ❌ Bleach or household detergents ❌ Abrasive cloths or tools ❌ Acetone or solvents. These damages acrylic, causing micro-cracks and shortening the eye’s lifespan. 3. Lubrication & Daily Comfort • Use artificial tears, gels, or mineral oil to relieve dryness. • Apply a thin layer of lubricating gel or petroleum jelly on the lower lid before sleep to reduce morning crusting. • To clean discharge, wipe towards the nose with eyelids closed. (Wiping outward may dislodge the prosthesis.) Handling Safety: Always handle the prosthesis over a soft towel or sink basin to prevent chipping if dropped. Storage If the prosthesis is out for more than a few minutes, store it in: • Sterile water, or • Contact lens soaking solution III. Insertion & Removal (Quick Reference) CRITICAL RULE: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the prosthesis. A. Artificial Eye (Prosthesis) Insertion 1. Place the prosthesis on the lower lid. 2. Look downward. 3. Lift the upper lid and slide the top of the prosthesis underneath. 4. Look straight and let the lower lid secure the bottom edge. Removal (Extractor Required) 1. Place the extractor tip beneath the lower edge of the prosthesis. 2. Look upward. 3. Gently pull the extractor downward and outward. 4. Look down to release the eye. B. Cosmetic Shell Insertion 1. Place the shell on the lower lid. 2. Look down. 3. Lift the upper lid and slide the top edge behind it. 4. Look straight and secure the lower lid over the bottom edge. Removal 1. Look upward. 2. Pull the lower lid down to expose the shell edge. 3. Gently pull the lower lid outward toward the ear. 4. Look downward to allow the shell to exit. IV. Protecting Your Remaining Eye Your natural eye requires extra protection and regular monitoring. 1. Protective Eyewear Always use polycarbonate or shatterproof glasses during: • Work with tools or chemicals • Gardening • Sports • Any impact-risk activity 2. Annual Eye Exams Schedule a yearly dilated exam to ensure early detection of: • Glaucoma • Cataracts • Macular conditions • Dry eye disease • Diabetic changes • Retinal issues Early diagnosis protects the vision you rely on every day.