Looking after your artificial eye

It is important to keep your artificial eye clean at all times. This section tells you how to do this. The first few times you do it you will probably be a bit nervous – most people are. You will soon find out that you are able to do it simply and comfortably.

If you have any problems at all looking after your eye please do not hesitate to get in touch with us at the centre.

How does my eye become dirty?

It is normal to have a certain amount of discharge in your socket. This varies from one person to the next. It can be worse in very cold weather or for instance if you are not well.

You can also get a build up of dirt or dust in your socket. This again can vary a lot. If you work in a dirty or dusty atmosphere you are likely to suffer more discharge than someone who works in a cleaner atmosphere.

How often should I clean my eye?

There are no set rules about this. If you have a lot of discharge from your socket you may need to clean it several times a day. For most people, once a day seems about right. It is up to you to decide, however we recommend that the eye is removed for cleaning at least once every thirty days.

How do I remove my eye?

The main thing to remember about taking out your artificial eye is that it is very simple. Give yourself plenty of time when you first do it on your own.

Take your time and do not hurry.

Follow these simple steps:

>Wash and dry your hands
>Look into a mirror
>Put something soft like a towel in the wash basin or on the table in front of you. Then, if your eye drops out it will have a soft landing. Be careful that it does not drop onto the floor. It could get scratched or chipped if it falls onto a hard surface.
>Gently pull your lower lid down until you can see the lower edge of your artificial eye.
>Put the thin end of the extractor between your lower lid and the lower edge of the eye.
>Lever the eye gently forward over the lid.

Like this:

When you do this, your eye will usually fall out into your hand or drop onto the towel.

How do I clean my eye?

Again you must not worry about this. It is very simple to do.

>Use wet cotton wool to clean away any discharge on your eyelids or your eyelashes.
>Use an eye bath with a simple saline solution to wash out your socket. The easiest way to make up a saline solution is to dissolve one teaspoonful of salt in a pint of boiling water and then let it cool.
>Use warm water and mild, non-scented soap to wash your artificial eye. Rub the eye gently with your fingers but make sure you do not scratch or drop it.
>Rinse the eye thoroughly using sterile water before you refit it. Make sure you rinse all the soap off. If you do not, it will hurt your socket when you refit your eye.

Never use any chemical cleaners, disinfectants or detergents to clean your artificial eye. These can cause permanent damage to the surface.

How do I refit my eye?

This is what you do

Lift your upper lid with one hand to make room for your artificial eye.
Hold your artificial eye in the other hand. Make sure you have the eye the right way round. Usually the most pointed end fits nearest your nose.
Push your eye gently under your top lid until it reaches the top of your socket.

Like this:

Hold the eye in that position with a finger of the hand you are using to hold your upper lid. This stops the eye falling out.
Using your free hand gently pull down your lower lid. The bottom of your eye will slip easily inside.

Like this:

How long should I wear my artificial eye?

So long as your eye is comfortable you can wear it all the time. But you must remember to take it out and clean it regularly. If you would rather take your eye out when you go to bed make sure you keep it in a container of sterile water or the same sort of saline solution as your use to clean your socket.

Do not worry if these instructions seem very complicated at first. You will soon get over your nervousness about removing, cleaning and refitting your eye. If you do have any problems, or if you are not sure about something, please get in touch with us. Our prosthetist will be glad to help. If you need more extractors for taking your eye out, just let us know.

So far we have spoken about the routine cleaning which you can do for yourself, but you will sometimes need to come to the clinic so that the prosthetist can check and polish your eye and keep it in good condition.

How often should I get my eye checked and polished?

After you have worn your eye for some time it will start to feel "gritty" and uncomfortable, or you may notice that there is more discharge. This is quite normal and is caused by ordinary wear and tear. When this happens you should have your eye checked and polished. How often you need this done will vary. As a general guide we advise you to have a routine check and polish every 12 months, but you can have one more often if you need one. It is very important to have your eye checked and polished as often as it needs it. If you do not, you may suffer unnecessary discomfort.

How do I get my eye checked and polished?

All you need to do is contact us and we will make an appointment for you to see a prosthetist. At this appointment the prosthetist will also check the condition of your eye and socket and will tell you about any possible replacement eyes you may need in the future. This is because sockets, artificial eyes and your own eye can change over a period of time. We can only check this if you attend on a regular basis.

What happens if I get an infection in the socket?

If you get an infection in your socket you should go and see your own doctor. Infections like this usually clear up quite easily using drops or ointment.

Remember

If you have any problems at all looking after your eye please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our helpline number is 0845 6050561.