The proper and proven method in the maintenance of your prosthesis is very simple. These are facts that must be considered.

  • All tissue bearing surfaces of the prosthesis are subject to plaque buildup (protein).
  • The body treats the prosthesis as an alien and will excrete fluids (tears) to coat it for protection.
  • This fluid ,gels and becomes a protective coating against the surrounding tissues (conjunctiva).
  • Over time(normally 3 months) the proteins in the fluids will deposit on the tissue bearing surfaces and will act as fine rough grit that will cause irritations and excessive excreta.
  • DO NOT remove the prosthesis daily , you will remove the coating and the orbital area in which the eye rests against the mucous tissue will begin excreting to coat this alien (prosthesis).
  • It takes 72 hours for the tears to gel on the prosthesis to protect itself. This causes unnecessary excreta.
  • The outer part (exposed ) is the area that is subject to atmospheric debris and the area that must be irrigated daily with a saline solution or just plain water.
  • Once the prosthesis is coated with this mucous gel, it will rise slightly off the tissues and this is when you get your greatest comfort.
  • When you wipe dry your eye socket area during your daily hygiene, always wipe inwardly toward the nose, this prevents pulling on the lower lid.
  • This technique can be used as many times as necessary, while not disturbing the inner ocular tissues.
  • Removing the prosthesis daily , will put the orbital tissues in a state of flux and will cause excessive excreta.
  • When a prosthesis meets these 3 requirements (comfort-cosmetics-motility) in that order you should not have to remove your prosthesis no more than once a month for preventative maintenance.
  • At that time the prosthesis can be washed with soap in gently rubbed in a soft washcloth, rinsed and reinserted.
  • A badly fitted or poorly finished prosthesis will always give you discomfort and excessive excreta.
  • My recommendation is to have your prosthesis serviced (cleaned & polished) by a competent ocularist at least twice a year, and replaced every 3 to 5 years to preserve the health and integrity of the ocular orbit.