Prosthetic Eye Care Guide — Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning + Storage
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The 30-second summary: Wipe your prosthetic eye clean of secretions once a day with a soft cloth. Deep-clean it once a week with mild non-detergent soap. Have it professionally polished by your ocularist every 6-12 months. Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or contact-lens solution.
Why care matters
A well-maintained acrylic ocular prosthesis lasts 3-5 years. A neglected one develops surface pitting, protein deposits, and micro-abrasions in as little as 12-18 months — forcing early replacement and worsening socket comfort. The right routine takes under 5 minutes a week.
Daily routine (every day — 30 seconds)
- Morning wipe-down. Before insertion, take a clean lint-free cloth or gauze square and wipe the prosthesis to remove any residual mucus. Do this while it's out of the socket.
- Optional midday clean. If you're in a dry or dusty environment, remove the prosthesis briefly, wipe it once, and reinsert. This prevents crusting.
- Bedtime removal decision. Some patients sleep with their prosthesis in; others remove it nightly. Follow your ocularist's recommendation.
Weekly routine (once a week — 5 minutes)
- Remove the prosthesis over a soft towel (in case you drop it).
- Wash in warm water with a drop of unscented, non-detergent baby soap or the mild soap recommended by your ocularist. Rub gently between your fingers — no scrubbing.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water until no soap residue remains.
- Pat dry with a clean lint-free cloth. Do not air-dry with dust exposure.
- Inspect the front and back surfaces for scratches, protein deposits, or discoloration. If you see any, book a polish appointment with your ocularist.
- Reinsert using a small drop of preservative-free artificial tears or your ocularist's recommended lubricant.
Monthly to quarterly (as needed)
- Rinse socket with saline if you experience heavy discharge or crusting. Use preservative-free sterile saline — not contact-lens solution.
- Check your prosthesis-storage case for build-up. Wash the case with soap + water weekly if you use one.
Every 6-12 months (professional polish)
Every 6-12 months, take your prosthesis to your ocularist for professional polishing. This removes microscopic pitting, protein deposits invisible to the naked eye, and any surface wear — restoring your prosthesis to near-new condition. Cost is typically $150-300 and often covered by insurance under HCPCS code V2624.
Skipping polishing is the #1 reason prostheses are replaced 1-2 years early.
The DO-NOT list
- Isopropyl alcohol / rubbing alcohol — dries out the polymer, causes surface cracking
- Hydrogen peroxide — discolors the acrylic and damages the iris paint
- Contact lens solution — contains preservatives that irritate socket tissue
- Boiling water — warps and cracks the acrylic
- Toothpaste or abrasive scrubs — creates permanent micro-scratches
- Ultrasonic jewelry cleaners — too aggressive, can crack the prosthesis
- Detergent-based dish soap — fragrances/dyes irritate socket
When to see your ocularist urgently
| Symptom | Urgency |
|---|---|
| Prosthesis feels rough or scratchy | Book polish within 30 days |
| Iris color looks faded or dull | Book polish within 30 days |
| Visible chip or crack | Book within 7 days — may need repair or replacement |
| Sudden increase in socket discharge | See ocularist within 7 days — possible fit or hygiene issue |
| Painful insertion or removal | See same week — fit adjustment needed |
| Redness, swelling, discharge with odor | Same-day — possible infection, see ophthalmologist |
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my prosthesis in the shower?
Yes. Close your eyelids while shampooing to avoid soap in the socket. Rinse the eyelid area with clean water afterward.
Can I swim with a prosthetic eye?
Yes for pool and ocean, with swim goggles to prevent loss. Chlorinated pool water is generally fine; extended exposure is not recommended. Rinse the prosthesis with clean water after swimming.
What about sleeping with it in?
Many patients sleep with their prosthesis in without issue. Your ocularist will guide based on your specific socket condition. If you develop nighttime dryness or discomfort, remove it and store in a clean case with saline.
How do I clean the storage case?
Wash weekly with warm water and unscented baby soap. Air-dry face-down on a clean cloth. Replace the case every 12 months.
Should I use eye drops in my socket?
Yes — preservative-free artificial tears (like Refresh Optive or TheraTears preservative-free) can be used 2-4 times a day if the socket feels dry. Avoid drops with preservatives — they irritate socket tissue over time.
Can I fly with a prosthesis?
Absolutely. Cabin pressure changes don't affect the prosthesis. Bring a small storage case and saline in your carry-on. TSA has no restrictions on ocular prostheses.
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