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An ocular prosthesis is an artificial eye that is worn in the eye socket. It is often made of synthetic resin or glass. The prosthesis looks like a real eye and helps a person look their best and feel more comfortable.
A client with an ocular prosthesis may experience various symptoms. Common problems include irritation, a scratchy or stinging sensation, redness, and mucus or discharge in the eye socket. These issues can be caused by dirt or proteins on the prosthesis, a dry eye socket, or a prosthesis that does not fit properly. The eye socket can also change over time, causing the prosthesis to be too loose, sit too deep, or no longer fit properly. Sometimes the upper or lower eyelid droops, which makes wearing the prosthesis more difficult.
It is important for healthcare professionals to take symptoms seriously and to watch for changes in the eye socket or eyelid. Regular cleaning and proper moisturizing can alleviate mild symptoms. If the problems persist or worsen, a referral to an ocularist or ophthalmologist is necessary. They can polish or adjust the prosthesis, or determine whether further treatment is needed. Regular checkups help maintain comfort and prevent complications.
1 Practice hand hygiene
2 Place the necessary supplies within easy reach.
3 Ask the client to sit down and get comfortable.
4 Place the clean towel on the client’s legs.
5 Put on the gloves.
If the prosthesis is being removed by hand:
6 Ask the client to look up.
7 Use one hand to press the lower eyelid down until the lower edge of the prosthesis
is visible.
8 Slide the thumb of your other hand under the edge of the prosthesis and press the upper
eyelid with your index finger until the prosthesis comes out of the eye socket.
9 Rinse the prosthesis under the faucet with lukewarm water.
If the prosthesis is removed using a suction cup:
a Ask the client to look up.
b Place the suction cup in the center of the prosthesis.
c Pull the prosthesis out of the eye socket.
d Remove the suction cup from the prosthesis and rinse the prosthesis under the faucet with lukewarm water.
If the prosthesis is not immediately reinserted into the eye socket: go to step 10.
If the prosthesis is reinserted directly into the eye socket: go to step 16 (next section)
10 Dry the denture with a tissue.
11 If desired, place the denture in a jar or box.
12 Remove the gloves.
13 Put the materials away.
14 Record the procedure and any findings.
15 16 Moisten the denture under the faucet with lukewarm water.
Hold the denture between the thumb and index finger of one hand (make sure the underside is facing down
).
17 18 19 20 Use your other hand to lift the client’s upper eyelid.
Slide the top of the prosthesis under the upper eyelid.
Hold the prosthesis in place with your index finger.
Use your other hand to pull the lower eyelid down and slide the bottom edge of the prosthesis
under the lower eyelid.
21 Release the lower eyelid.
22 If necessary, adjust the position of the prosthesis with a finger.
23 Remove the gloves.
24 Put away the materials.
25 Practice hand hygiene.
Learn more about caring for an ocular prosthesis on this page.
If you’d like to speak with or email someone from the OOG in OOG Association, here’s how to reach us.
The OOG in OOG Association provides information, organizes meetups, offers advice, and advocates for your interests. See what we do for people who see with one eye.
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