For the average person wearing an Artificial Eye pretty much means leaving it in place and attending the clinic for regular polishing appointments.
It is not unusual if you experience some discharge from your socket. The socket secretion produced naturally acts as a lubricant for your artificial eye. It is called mucous. Just how much mucous is produced can vary from one person to the next. Your socket should not be routinely “washed out” to try and remove the mucous, as too much rinsing out of the socket can actually increase production of mucous. Mucous production can increase in the winter or if you have a cold. Also, if you work in a dirty or dusty environment you may have more discharge than someone who works in a cleaner environment as your socket produces more moisture to combat the dirt and dust.
Mucous contains protein and this protein is the substance that gathers on the surface of your artificial eye leaving a (usually invisible) film that over time impedes the natural blink of your eyelids over your artificial eye. If your artificial eye feels rough or dry, in 99% of all cases it will because of a build up of protein – even if you can’t see it on the eye.
Polishing of your Artificial Eye
Polishing of your artificial eye is key for the best comfort and appearance. It will keep protein down to a minimum and remove any microscopic scratches. This process should ideally be carried out regularly, therefore you will be offered follow-up appointments at intervals of between 6-12 months. These return appointments also allow inspection of the artificial eye to ascertain that it is still a good fit.
These appointments are fairly short (you should allow half an hour) and are definitely worthwhile for continuity of comfort and care.
