Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Prosthetic Eye Care Tips

26 March 2018 by Freddie Cox

Caring for your prosthetic eye takes a certain level of precision. As such a small and delicate unit, it is easy to damage your prosthetic or in some instances, completely destroy it. It's vital that you understand how to properly care for it; here are some tips to get you started on the right path.

Careful Cleaning

There is a correct way to clean your prosthesis. When you received your prosthesis, you likely received a cleaning solution or were advised what time of solution to use. Whichever of the two, make certain you're only sticking to this product. Too harsh of a cleaner may cause irritation and too mild of a cleaner may not do a good job at removing bacteria from the surface of the unit.

You should also find out how often you need to clean your prosthetic from your provider. You should also ensure you thoroughly rinse the prosthesis before inserting it so that there isn't any leftover cleanser on the unit that could cause irritation on the skin around the socket.

Minimal Handling

It's best to keep the handling of your prosthesis on a minimal basis. You should not be picking up the unit unless it is for a specific purpose, such an inserting it into the socket or cleaning it. For example, you should not remove your prosthetic simply because someone wants to see what it looks like.

As previously stated, eye prostheses are very delicate and over handling will only increase the likelihood of you causing damage to the unit. Additionally, when handling the unit, always make sure you are doing so carefully. Avoid squeezing the unit or dropping it.

Regular Polishing

An important part of caring for a prosthetic eye is regular polishing. Polishing is a process that removes protein deposits, scratches, and bacteria that naturally settles beneath the surface of the prosthesis. Without the process, you can increase your risk of an infection.

The polishing process doesn't just keep the prosthetic eye in better condition, but it also makes it more comfortable, which is essential. Your provider will help you determine how frequently you need to have your unit polished. Once you have a schedule, ensure you adhere to it.  

Whenever you have a question about caring for your prosthetic eye, it is always best to contact a professional. The last thing you want to do is cause costly damage. Don't hesitate to ask questions until you're confident you have the appropriate care instructions.

To learn more, contact a company like Real Life Faces. 

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