Frequently Asked Questions 

What is my artificial eye made of?

Artificial eyes are made of a high quality acrylic plastic.

How do I clean my artificial eye?

You should clean your prosthesis with a mild liquid soap (or baby shampoo) and water. Wash it with your fingers or a soft washcloth and rinse thoroughly. Never use alcohol to clean your prosthetic eye.

How often do I clean my eye?

The frequency of cleaning will vary for each individual. As a general rule, you should keep the artificial eye in the socket as long as it is not bothering you*. Tears and dried mucus can be washed away with an eye wash solution without removing the prosthesis. It needs to be removed and cleaned when irritation or excessive tearing is present. Allergies and colds can affect the amount of tearing; the eye may need to be cleaned more often when these conditions are present.

*The exceptions are patients who wear a scleral cover shell. Removal of the shell at night is necessary for some patients. Always follow the instructions of your ocularist.

Why should my eye be professionally polished?

The ocularist will remove built up protein sediment that soap and water cannot remove. Polishing the prosthesis to a high shine results in a more comfortable and natural appearing prosthesis. This should be done once or twice a year.

How often should I have my eye replaced?

An ocular prosthesis should be replaced every 5-7 years due to changes in the socket and deterioration of the plastic.

Will my health insurance cover the cost of a prosthetic eye?

Health insurance will almost always cover a portion of the cost, if not all of it, depending on your deductible and/or co-pays. A consultation is needed (consultations are free) to determine what coverage you have.

How long will it take to get my artificial eye?

It will usually take 2-3 visits with the ocularist to receive your new eye. One-day service is available for those who are traveling a long distance.