Removal of the Prosthesis from the Eye Socket
(Instructions for Patient)

Listed below are two methods for removing the ocular prosthesis from the eye socket.  Before handling your prosthesis, we would recommend the following procedure for hygiene care.

Cleansing of your Hands, Eyelids and Eyelashes:

Please be advised that bacteria that frequently causes conjunctivitis and socket infections exists on the skin.  We would, therefore, recommend using a 'no more tears' baby shampoo for a thorough hand scrub, with emphasis on your fingertips.  This shampoo destroys bacteria, and it has a neutral pH, so when you apply the shampoo on a warm wet facecloth to cleanse the eyelids and eyelashes, there will be no smarting of the conjunctival tissues.  Any secretion on the prosthetic surface can be wiped off with a tissue.

Method 1 – Removal with Suction Cup:

Step 1. Stand before a mirror.  Drop your chin so you will be looking slightly upward into the mirror.

Step 2. Moisten the open end of the suction cup with water and squeeze it halfway up the barrel with your thumb and index finger.

Step 3. With your other hand, pull your lower lid as far downward as possible.  You should see most of the white sclera below the iris color.

Step 4. Set the suction cup flush against this front scleral surface, and then release the squeezing.  The suction cup should be attached to the prosthesis.

Step 5. The suction cup is then held lightly (so not to break the suction).  The prosthesis is then pulled forward past the lower lid and away from the cavity.  Continue the pulling action until the entire prosthesis is withdrawn from the cavity.

Method 2 – Removal with Fingers:

Step 1. Drop your chin and look upward into a mirror.

Step 2. Place your forefinger parallel on or as close to the lower eyelashes as possible, and begin to pull the lower eyelid down until the edge of the prosthesis is visible.

Step 3. Continue this inward pressure (almost a gouging action) while you begin to slide the finger toward your temple.

Step 4. Cup your other hand and be prepared to catch the prosthesis as it falls out.

WARNING

Never place the prosthesis in alcohol or other harsh chemical substance, this can damage the plastic surface and cause irritation to the conjunctival tissue.

IMPORTANT

The prosthesis must always be cleansed immediately after it is removed.  This is to prevent further drying of tears and/or secretion on its surface.  Once the prosthesis is removed, use the facecloth with the 'no more tears' baby shampoo and rub it briskly.  This should remove most or all of the accumulated protein deposits from the prosthetic surface.

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