The period of wear
Visit your ocularist once a year
The recommended period of wear for an artificial glass eye is one year. Every ocular prosthesis is subject to wear over time. This is perfectly normal and is due to the high pH value of the tear fluid. It slowly dissolves the flux in the material and therefore attacks the molecular network of the artificial eye. Other factors, for instance, the shape of the eye socket, the strength of the tear liquid or various environmental influences have an effect on the wear of your artificial eye. A worn artificial eye causes problems as the resulting rough surface of the prosthesis can greatly irritate the eye socket. The first sign that you need to replace your prosthesis is increased tear production (lacrimation). The eye socket then becomes red and this can lead to a viscous, yellowish discharge.
You should therefore go to your ophthalmologist for a regular check-up and come to us to have your ocular prosthesis replaced once a year. This will protect your eye socket and ensure that you can wear your artificial eye comfortably and safely at all times.
Shorter period of wear
The first ocular prosthesis used after the operation is a special case. It should only be worn for approximately three months as the eye socket shape will change during the healing process.
Various environmental influences can also mean that you need to replace your artificial eye before a whole year has passed. The wear period of your prosthesis can be significantly reduced if, for instance, you work in a dusty environment or come into contact with chemical substances. Have your eye socket checked by your ophthalmologist as soon as you notice the first signs of wear.
Artificial eyes for children also need to be replaced at far shorter intervals due to their rapid growth. A basic rule of thumb applies: New shoes – new eye. Contact us at any time if you think that the prosthesis of your child has become too small.