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 ruin 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. Reckon 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 fantastic, 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 small discomfort. Some people never take it out between office visits. We used to reckon all artificial eye wearers should remove and clean the prosthesis regularly. You may still want to. It’s simple 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 fantastic lubricant. It’s not a cleanser.