I hear a lot about silicone lubricants for my artificial eye. What makes them better?

You’ve probably heard that 100% silicone artificial eye lubricant has quickly become the state-of-the-art for prosthetic care at home. This kind of eyedrop reduces friction in your socket. Friction makes the surface of the prosthetic rough and uneven, which can destroy its usefulness. To take care of that artificial eye, surround it with silicone drops. Over-the-counter saline artificial tears will not protect against friction. Of course, friction makes the eye painful to wear. Think about a thick, long-lasting layer of silicone surrounding it. You’ll be very comfortable. And you don’t have to re-apply it every hour, as you would with saline solutions.

Is there any need for professional prosthetic eye care?

In some patients, thick mucus may build up. The artificial eye must be removed and washed off from time to time. In most instances, mucous buildup can be washed off the prosthesis and out of the socket by using an irrigating solution without removing the prosthesis. (This information comes from the doctors at the Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia.)

Of course, you need a continuing relationship with your Ocularist, just as you would with any doctor or specialist who has performed a major procedure on you.

Let’s go back to silicone. A lot of people say it’s great, but who says it’s safe?

The Food and Drug Administration in Washington. It has approved medical-grade silicone for use in prosthetic eye care. The FDA judges all over-the-counter health products and the ingredients used. You have to prove your formula is safe. 100% silicone passed the test.

Why do I even need eyedrops?

Most artificial eye wearers experience drying due to a lack of lubrication. In such cases, the Ocularist will recommend an oily lubricant. (This is according to the Artificial Eye Clinic in Vienna Virginia.)

Note: Silicone lubricants are not “oily”, but are a more modern variation with the same protective qualities the doctors want. 100% silicone (sometimes referred to by its chemical symbol, Si) is thick, spreads evenly, and adheres. Ocularists increasingly prefer it to older, oily compounds.

Is this a “polish”, like my oculist uses?

No. Just the opposite. It prevents friction. It does not wear down the device, it makes it more comfortable. You need yearly checkups, to have rough spots polished away. Usually there is a build-up of salt and protein deposits on the eye in one year’s time. Polishing removes these potentially irritating deposits. The ocularist will also evaluate the eye’s fit, which can change. (Source: Artificial Eye Clinic, Virginia).

Do I have to take it out?

No, but your doctor will want to. If you take it out regularly at home you can irritate your socket. Today’s artificial eyes generally need less attention due to improved fitting and polishing techniques. Also, by using an Si lube, you will have little discomfort. Some people never take it out between office visits. We used to think all artificial eye wearers should remove and clean the prosthesis regularly. You may still want to. It’s easy to get the orb in and out. Your ocularist can show you, and tell you what to use to clean it.

Silicone?

Nice try. Si is a great lubricant. It’s not a cleanser.

Every year, scientists, engineers, and Ocularists get closer and closer to developing a prosthetic eye that returns site to those that have a lost or damaged eye. Researchers are experimenting with implanting microchips and one day loosing an eye will simply require surgery to implant a new, functioning, artificial eye.

However, until that day arrives, those that have lost an eye either due to an accident or disease will have to continue to wear artificial eyes. Although, the science as well as the artistry involved in developing prosthetic eyes has also progressed immensely since their inception.

The first prosthetic eyes were made from available, natural materials such as paste, wood, and metal. Later, prosthetic eyes were made from glass. However, this presented a problem as glass is not only fragile, but will also wear down relatively quickly.

While some Ocularists still specialize in making glass eyes, most modern artificial eyes are made from an acrylic plastic. This material is not only more durable than glass, but it also more closely resembles the texture of a natural eye. A typical life span for a modern acrylic plastic eye is around ten years.

Whichever material your prosthetic eye is made from, one thing is certain: you must properly lubricate it. Those who do not properly lubricate their eye are not only shortening the life span of their prosthetic via increased friction, but will also feel pain and irritation around their eye.

If you have a prosthetic eye, it is vital that you take care of it. This includes properly cleaning the eye as well as periodically returning to your Ocularist to ensure that the prosthetic eye still fits well and has not caused any infections.

It is important to note that your relationship with your Ocularist is vital as you can quickly outgrow your prosthetic eye, especially if you are younger. In fact, it is typical to have to replace your prosthetic up to five times between childhood and adolescence.

Choosing the right Prosthetic Eye Lubricant

While you may assume that this is an easy decision, the reality is that the difference between using a quality prosthetic eye lubrication and a sub-par lubrication can mean the difference between all-day comfort and constant irritation.

It should also be mentioned that there is distinct difference between moisturizers for normal eyes and lubricants specifically made for artificial eyes. The most obvious difference between these two products is viscosity. Normal eye moisturizers are very “thin” while prosthetic eye lubricants are much “heavier”.

This is due to one essential ingredient: silicone. In fact, you should never use an artificial eye moisturizer that is not composed of 100% silicone. Silicone never fully dries which is why it is perfect for those with prosthetic eyes. Comparatively, prosthetic eye lubricants that are water-based will dry out quickly which will require the user to constantly re-apply it.

In conclusion, those currently wearing a prosthetic eye or that will soon be fitted with one need to choose a 100% silicone based prosthetic eye lubricant. If your Ocularist does not have a specific product that they recommend, simply type in prosthetic eye lubricant into your search bar. Don’t underestimate the important of lubrication, it is as important as cleaning your prosthetic.