When you first are fitted with your prosthesis, your socket may feel tender from the unaccustomed use. This should subside over time.
The glands and tearducts in your eye, in most cases, will function normally with your prosthesis. Many people, however, will notice an increase in secretions. At times these secretions can be considerable. This can be caused by wind, head colds, allergies, extreme temperatures, or failure to wash the hands thoroughly before handling the prosthesis. When this occurs, it is best to leave the prosthesis alone in the socket unless the secretions begin to build up or irritation occurs. If you wish to cleanse your prosthesis, it is best to leave it in the socket. Rinse the eye area with plain water or a saline solution, or try gently patting the acrylic eye with a soft cloth or tissue. If this doesn't work, remove the prosthesis and rinse with a saline solution.
Sometimes excessive secretions can be caused by scratches or roughness on the surface of the prosthesis. If your socket has changed in any way, the prosthesis may become ill-fitting. This, too, can cause excessive secretions. Your ocularist can remedy these situations by polishing or modifying the prosthesis. If you have been relatively free of excessive secretions for several years, and then suddenly have problems that you can't attribute to the situations described above,you need to contact your ocularist to have it checked.
Other problems may include a sharpness or a persistent aching in the socket. This may indicate that the prosthesis needs an adjustment in its shape that can be accomplished by your ocularist. Excessive tenderness, redness, or swelling may indicate a more serious problem. Contact your ophthalmologist if you experience these symptoms.
Some people experience a dryness in the eye. Any artificial tears available at the drug store can be used for comfort.
If you have concerns about what you are experiencing with your prosthesis, call the office and we can answer your questions.
