Not Sure What To Do? How To Care For Your New Prosthetic Eye

If you've recently been fitted for a prosthetic eye, it will take some getting used to, especially when it comes to keeping your eye clean. Maintaining your prosthetic eye may be difficult the first few times, but with practice, it will become second nature to you. The important thing to remember is that your eye will need to be cleaned on a regular basis, or you can develop infections and irritations. Here are some tips that will help you clean your prosthetic eye.

Always Start with Clean Hands

When you clean your prosthetic eye, the first thing you should do is wash your hands. You should never touch your eye unless you've thoroughly washed your hands first. Otherwise, you could transfer germs right to the eye from your fingertips. Be sure to use an antibacterial soap when washing your hands.

Prep the Cleaning Area

Before you start washing your eye, it's crucial that you prep the area where you'll be working. The first thing you should do is choose a place where you'll be comfortable working, such as a table. If you're going to be cleaning your eye in the bathroom, you should place a chair or stool in front of the sink so that you don't have to stand. You'll also want to place a soft towel over the area you'll be working. This is particularly important if you're going to be cleaning your eye over the sink. Dropping your eye onto a hard surface could cause it to break.

Wash Your Eye Carefully

To wash your prosthetic eye, you'll want to use clear water and a mild soap. Rinse your eye with clear water and then apply a drop or two of liquid soap. Using your fingers gently wash the entire eye. Once you've washed the eye, rinse it thoroughly to remove all soapy residue. Dry your eye with a lint-free cloth. You can use either your sink or a small basin to wash your eye. If using a basin, fill the basin with water for washing, and use a pitcher of fresh water to pour over your eye for rinsing.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When it comes to caring for your prosthetic eye, you should always avoid harsh chemicals, including cleansing agents. Even chemicals such as hairspray, body spray, or aftershave can damage your prosthetic eye.

Now that you're about to be fitted with your prosthetic eye, be sure you know how to properly care for it. Use the tips provided here to help you care for your eye. For questions and concerns, be sure to speak to your ocularist.

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