Often we will receive questions that may be helpful to other wearers of ocular prosthetics, or for one who is in need of an artificial eye. We hope these questions and answers below will be helpful!
Q: Will the eye “cry” like normal?
A: Yes, the tear production is in the eyelids, so having a prosthesis bring the eyelids forward to “full sized” will allow normal tear production and tear flow.
Q: Can you “rub” your eye, get the sleep out of it?
A: Yes, we recommend patients rub both eyes “towards the nose” to remove any drainage or sleep in the eye.
Q: Is it sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Below zero weather?
A: The prosthesis itself is solid acrylic, so it does not conduct heat. If you are skiing in cold and wind, the eye will become cold and dry quickly. If you are in a hot dry or dusty environment, it will become dry quickly. Both of these extreme environments can be alleviated by using a lubrication eye drop to keep the eye moist and lubricated. We have several types of lubricants that have worked well for patients.
Q: In the winter cold on a walk, will the eye drain fluid?
A: Similar to above, it may become dry and the body may try to lubricate, so it may drain, similar to tears. Again, using a lubrication drop before the walk will alleviate this.
Q: Will sleep/drainage in the eye be bad?
A: In the prosthetic side, typically more drainage is produced due to the presence of the prosthesis in the socket. Whether this will increase or decrease the amount of drainage you currently experience is difficult to predict.
Q: Will it pop out involuntarily?
A: In general, no. The prosthesis is held in by the eyelids, so if your lower lid is very lax, it would be more possible for the prosthesis to become dislodged when rubbed. For most, this is not a concern.
Q: Are there any activity restrictions?
A: No. Swimming is fine, chlorine will not damage the prosthesis. I can not think of any other activities that would be hampered by wearing a prosthesis.
Q: Can I take a normal shower?
A: Absolutely.
Q: Can you wear make up near the eye?
A: Absolutely.
Q: What happens when the eye socket becomes infected?
A: Infection would be noticeable by increased drainage or discomfort in the socket. Treatment would be similar to pink eye, treated with an antibiotic gel or eye drop. It should clear on its own, just like pink eye would, but will clear within 2-3 days with an antibiotic.
Q: Are the procedures done at your office?
A: Yes, the entire prosthesis is made over 4 appointments at our office.
If you have questions that are not answered here, feel free to contact us! We would be happy to help in any way we can. Also, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
