Overview

Artificial eyes can last for many years, but they are delicate. You should follow these instructions to make sure it can be used for as long as possible.

Before handling your artificial eye

Always wash your hands with soap and water before you touch your artificial eye.

When removing or inserting your artificial eye, you should stand in front of a mirror and put a towel on the hard surface below you (sink, work surface) in case you drop the eye. The eyes can be very delicate.

Inserting your artificial eye

Step 1

Hold your artificial eye in one hand and the suction cup in the other. Get rid of any air in the suction cup by squeezing it, and then attach it to the iris (coloured part) of your artificial eye and release the pressure so the suction cup is attached to the eye.

Step 2

Use the fingertips of your other hand to lift your upper eyelid. Position your artificial eye so you have the upper edge pointing up and slide it under the upper eyelid. It might help to look down, as this creates more space for the eye.

Step 3

Once you have the eye under the upper eyelid, gradually work it higher until you can release the upper eyelid. Gently pull down on your lower eyelid until it is out from behind the eye and into position. Release your eyelid, and then remove the suction cup by squeezing it again.

Removing your artificial eye

Step 1

Hold the suction cup in one hand and get rid of any air by squeezing it. Use the other hand to lift your upper eyelid to position the suction cup on the front surface of your artificial eye.

Step 2

Once in position, release the pressure on the suction cup so that it attaches to your eye.

Step 3

Gently pull down your lower eyelid, while rotating the artificial eye to remove it. Your artificial eye should come out from behind the upper eyelid by gently sliding it downwards.

Cleaning your artificial eye

Remove the artificial eye and clean with warm water and a mild, unscented soap or baby shampoo.

Gently rub the surfaces with your thumb and forefinger and rinse off the soap under running water.

You can also clean with a wetted clean, soft, lint-free cloth with saline or cooled boiled water.

Never use harsh chemicals like alcohol, bleach, baby wipes, or abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the eye.

How often to clean your artificial eye

You should clean your artificial eye every time you remove it. You should clean it at least every 6 months. How often to clean your eye will be different for each patient, and will vary depending on lifestyle and different environmental conditions.

Wearing your artificial eye when you sleep

You can wear it when sleeping as long as you find it comfortable.

How to store your artificial eye

If you choose to remove your artificial eye before you sleep, place it in a small container in saline or cooled boiled water. You must change the saline or water each day. Always clean the eye before you re-insert it.

Using eye drops when wearing your artificial eye

You can use lubricating eye drops if you find your eyes get dry, or your clinician can recommend a silicone lubricant if normal eye drops are not helping.

Follow-up appointments

As long as you continue to wear your artificial eye you will continue to have review appointments to re-polish the eye and for your clinician to monitor it. Artificial eyes can last for many years and your maxillofacial prosthetist can tell you when they think you need a replacement.

When to get help

If you have any problems with your artificial eye, contact your maxillofacial prosthetist.