Tips and Tricks for Artificial Eye and Scleral Shell Maintenance
Most Health Authorities recommend semi-annual exams & “Glazing” of the artificial eye.
On an annual basis, we evaluate the prosthesis-socket relationship with impressions, study model and socket exam to insure proper fit and function. This is important for children wearing a prosthesis since their growth patterns will cause significant changes in their socket shape and volume.
On an average, prosthetic eyes are generally replaced every five years over the lifetime of a patient. However, routine “glazing” of the prosthetic surfaces will significantly prolong its life and insure continuous comfort.
Inserting Your Prosthesis
- Be absolutely sure that your hands are protected against bacteria by scrubbing each with hand soap and rinsing thoroughly.
- Using your dominant hand, place your fingers on your eyelashes and lift the upper eyelid.
- Slide the upper edge of the prosthesis under the upper eyelid as far as it will possibly go.
- Release the upper eyelid. With your opposite hand, pull down the bottom eyelid and place the bottom part of the prosthesis behind the bottom eyelid.
- With your prosthesis in place, close your eyes and palpate your lids in a temporal to nasal direction. This will expel any air that may have been trapped behind the prosthesis during insertion.
- Using a mirror, verify that the position and gaze of your prosthesis is correct.
