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FAQ's
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1. Will the prosthesis move with the other eye?
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In most case the prosthetic eye will move because the Ophthalmologist constructs the eye socket in a method which transfers
movement to the artificial eye. This is done by placing an ocular implant into the eye socket upon the time of surgery.
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The implant is placed into the muscle cone, and therefore replaces some of the volume lost by surgical removal of the eye.
During surgery, the Ophthalmologist attaches the eye muscles to this implant. It is then covered with a layer of natural
conjuctival tissue. The prosthesis is fit over the implant and the movement of the implant is transferred to the prosthesis.
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2. What is a peg attachment?
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With certain implants, an optional peg placement can be utilized several months following surgery. This procedure provides
a direct peg attachment, connecting the prosthesis directly to the implant, providing even more movement.
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The advantages and disadvantages of this procedure can be discussed further with your Ocularist and Ophthalmologist. It is
important to know that the amount of movement varies from person to person depending on many other related factors.
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3. Will the socket still have normal tear flow?
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Enucleation will not effect the basic function of the orbit's lacrimal gland, which produces tears. However, the eye socket
is naturally lined with mucous membrane, similar to the inside of your mouth, which produces much fluid.
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The prosthesis is a hard non-absorbing acrylic that doesn't hold the lubrication very easily. This combination of factors
can sometimes cause an over flow of tears, especially in children.
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Tearing and mucous is greatly effected by environment. A day at the beach or at the baseball field may cause excess
tearing from the eye socket being irritated. This can be managed with irrigation and lubricating drops. It is also normal for
one to experience an increase of mucous discharge when suffering from a cold or flu.
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4. Should I wear protective eyewear?
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It is strongly recommended that one wear a pair of spectacles with polycarbonate (shatter proof) lenses. Even if no visual
correction is required in the other eye, these safety spectacles will provide protection to the remaining eye in the event of a
facial injury.
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5. Will I be able to play sports while wearing an ocular prosthesis?
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Wearing a prosthesis should not limit your involvement in almost any sport. However, when possible, sport-specific safety
goggles should be worn.
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When swimming it is important to either keep your eyelids closed when underwater or wear swim goggles.
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6. How often should I remove my prosthesis?
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In the case of enucleation, routine removal of an ocular prosthesis is not recommended. As long as the prosthesis remains
comfortable, it should not be removed. However, the prosthesis may accumulate residual mucous secretion deposits on its surface.
These deposits warrant removal and cleaning. After following the recommended cleaning procedure, reinsert the prosthesis.
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It is important to minimize the frequency of removal. This seems to result in fewer problems with mucous discharge. Most people
are able to keep the prosthesis in place until the next scheduled visit with the Ocularist. This can be for as long as six months.
Your Ocularist and Ophthalmologist will help you decide an appropriate care plan.
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7. How do I remove and Clean my prosthesis?
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To remove a prosthesis you should use a suction rod, available from your Ocularist. To remove it, squeeze the suction rod and
place the tip onto the surface of the prosthesis. Next, release to create suction. Depress the lower eyelid and gently pull out the
prosthesis with the suction rod. You may clean the prosthesis with any hard or gas permeable contact lens cleaning solution. Simply
apply the cleaner to all the surfaces and rub it vigorously with your fingertips. Then rinse well with warm water. Do not clean the
prosthesis with rubbing alcohol or any other chemical solvents. These cleaners will penetrate and destroy the plastic. Also, do not
boil or heat sterilize an ocular prosthesis.
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It is important to keep the eyelashes free or dried mucous deposits. If this occurs, a mixture of warm water and Johnson's Baby
Shampoo applied with a cotton swab will help remove this build-up from the lashes. You may also soak the artificial eye in 3% Hydrogen
Peroxide for 3-4 hours to loosen dried mucous deposits from the surface. Always rinse the prosthesis well before reinserting. Rinsing
with tap water is acceptable.
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8. Should I lubricate my prosthesis?
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Not all wearers will need to lubricate their artificial eye, especially children. However, if one is not able to fully close
their eyelids over the prosthesis, the use of artificial tears or other lubricants may be indicated. The need for lubricants varies
with each individual.
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Your Ocularist or Ophthalmologist will make recommendations regarding the use of lubricants.
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