Caring for an Ocular (Eye) Prosthesis

What is an ocular prosthesis?

An ocular (eye) prosthesis is an artificial eye that fits into the eye socket after an eye is removed or if a person was born without an eye. The prosthesis is made to match the appearance of the other eye. It does not restore lost vision.

Fitting an ocular prosthesis 

After your child’s eye removal surgery and healing, your care team will refer you to a specialist called an ocularist. They will make a mold of your child’s eye socket to make a prosthesis that fits your child. It may take several visits to get a good fit. The ocular prosthesis will need to be resized or replaced as your child grows.

Most insurance plans will cover all or part of the cost of an ocular prosthesis. Check with your ocularist and insurance company to see what is covered.

Visit the American Society of Ocularists website to find a provider where you live.

Basic care for an ocular prosthesis

Always wash your hands before caring for your child’s ocular prosthesis. Most routine care is done while it is in the eye.

Always follow the care instructions given by your care team or ocularist.

Use lubrication drops as instructed

Use lubrication drops to:

• Help with dryness
• Stop irritation
• Increase comfort

Clean the eyelid and area around the eye socket

• Use a clean, warm washcloth to wash around the eyelid and the area around the prosthesis. 
• Always wipe toward your child’s nose. Wiping away from the nose may cause the prosthesis to turn and rotate in the socket.

How to remove an ocular prosthesis

You will need to remove and clean the prosthesis every 2-3 months. Use the suction cup tool recommended by your ocularist to remove your child’s eye prosthesis.

Supplies needed: Suction cup tool

1. Wash your hands to prevent eye socket infection.
2. Wet the tip of the suction cup.
3. Place the suction cup on the center of the prosthesis.
4. Remove the prothesis from the bottom lid first by pulling the lower lid down.
5. Slide the prosthesis down and away from the socket.

How to clean an ocular prosthesis

Supplies needed: Mild soap or cleaner recommended by your ocularist

• Wash your hands
• Remove the prosthesis using the suction cup tool.
• Wash the prosthesis with mild soap and water.
• Care for the eye socket.
  • Rinse (irrigate) the eye socket
  • Look for and clean out eyelashes, dry mucus, and discharge

Contact your care team or ocularist if you have questions about cleaning the prosthesis.

How to put an ocular prosthesis back into the socket

Supplies needed: Lubrication drops recommended by your ocularist

After you clean the prosthesis, put it back into the socket.

1. Wash your hands.
2. Apply lubrication drops to the prosthesis and the socket.
3. Use the suction cup to hold the prosthesis.
4. Ask your child to look down.
5. Raise the upper lid.
6. Place the top of the prosthesis under the upper lid.
7. Allow the upper lid to come down over the prosthesis.
8. Ask your child to look straight ahead.
9. Pull down the lower lid.
10. Secure the bottom of the prosthesis behind the lower lid.
11. Allow the lower lid to come up over the prosthesis.
12. Squeeze the suction cup to release the eye prosthesis.

Professional ocular prosthesis cleaning

An ocularist or other professional should clean your child’s ocular prosthesis every 6-12 months. Your child should have regular exams to check the fit of their ocular prosthesis. Talk with your care team or ocularist for more information.

Questions to ask your care team

• How do I find someone who can fit my child for an ocular prosthesis?
• What supplies do I need to care for my child’s ocular prosthesis at home?
• How often does the ocular prosthesis need to be checked by a professional?
• Are there any activities my child should not do with an ocular prosthesis?
• What problems should I watch for and who should I contact if they occur?
• How often will my child need a new ocular prosthesis as they grow?
• Will insurance pay for my child’s ocular prosthesis?

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