HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS FOR ARTIFICIAL EYE WEARER:

It is important to remember that an artificial eye, which appears satisfactory to the wearer, may be an indifferent fit when viewed by the observer. After all, the observer is the one whom you desire to impress and who sees you as you really are. Your expressions when looking in the mirror are entirely different from your expressions when talking. The first are blank but the second are filled with animation, reflections of your ever-changing thoughts as reproduced by your facial muscles. We have occasionally been complimented for putting a "smile" in the artificial eye. The fact is that the wearer by his or her own facial expression puts in "the smile". We simply make it possible for the wearer to do so.

Wearers of artificial eyes should practice facial expressions to make the wearing of an eye as unnoticeable as possible. It is the work of the expert adapting the eye to produce the best cosmetic result possible but it is the outlook and the cooperation of the patient, which will determine if a really pleasing appearance is secured. The expert will strive to produce an effect, making the natural eye predominant, and thus detracting attention from the artificial one. Although we urge you to study your facial expressions to secure the most pleasing results, we do not encourage self-consciousness. The tendency to self-consciousness should be overcome as soon as possible before it can become a part of your personality. You will find that if you will forget that you are wearing an artificial eye, others will pay no attention to it. New patients, those who have undergone recent surgery, often feel they will never become accustomed to wearing an artificial eye. Some even believe that their lives are ruined. But, if these individuals could know the many fine and successful prosthetic eye wearers we have met through the years, they would not feel so depressed. Among our patients we number artists, entertainers, public office holders, working people, mothers and children, who are performing their daily tasks as capable as persons having two natural eyes. The secret of success for you is the same as for all individuals. Concentrate on your assets and good features. Forget your liabilities so that others may do so too. Several of the following hints may be useful to you in detracting attention from your artificial eye. First of all, do not open your eyes too widely. Learn to contract your lids - learn to smile. When you want to look in any direction, do not put the entire burden on your eye muscles. Turn your head or your body in the direction where you wish to look. In most cases, an artificial eye will move in unison with the natural eye, if the muscles are intact and if the eye is expertly fitted. However, if you have only limited motility, this fact will not be noticed by the observer if you are careful about facial expressions and will turn your head when looking to the side. Some persons find that attractive spectacles or eye glasses of the non-shatterable type give a softened effect and make an artificial eye unnoticeable. We do not wish to suggest that all artificial eye wearers be burdened with glasses, if they do not want or need them. However, glasses often help to disguise an artificial eye, and non-shatterable lenses have the additional advantage of protecting the natural eye. Occasionally, a prosthetic eye wearer will have an upper lid which is "short" or a lower lid that "sags". Improvement and correction in many cases depend on proper fittings as well as persistent massage or stretching of the lids. 

Caution In Wiping Eyes 

In wiping your artificial eye, always wipe toward the nose. This will prevent your eye from turning in the socket and assuming an incorrect position. Also, since your artificial eye rests on your lower lid and is supported by this lid, you should use caution when rubbing your lower lid, so that you will dislodge the eye. Never rub the prosthetic eye vigorously. 

The Nature and Care of the Plastic Artificial Eye 

The artificial eye, being of an alien nature to the human tissue, causes a discharge in the socket. This in turn necessitates the removal and cleaning of the eye for reasons of comfort, hygiene and cosmetic appearance. A certain amount of this discharge can be alleviated by the use of a lubricant on the prosthetic eye. This lubricant is called "Silicone Lubricant for Plastic Artificial Eyes" and is available at our offices. The amount of discharge varies in most cases due to a number 

The amount of discharge will determine the frequency of removal and cleaning of the prosthetic eye. The easiest and most proven method for removal of the prosthetic eye is the use of a RUBBER SUCTION CUP available at our offices. The suction cup must first be moistened for use. This is then squeezed and placed against the iris of the artificial eye. The suction cup now in place, depress the lower lid with the forefinger, then twist the eye COUNTER-CLOCKWISE and lift UP and OUT. The eye socket is now rinsed with an aseptic solution which your Ophthalmologist will advise. An eye cup, atomizer or syringe can be used to disperse the aseptic solution in the eye socket. The artificial eye is cleaned with a mild soap and warm water. The artificial eye is then rinsed carefully, dried and lubricated with the above-mentioned SILICONE solution. The artificial eye is now ready for re-insertion. The SUCTION CUP is again moistened, squeezed and placed against the artificial eye. 

The prosthetic eye is inserted under the upper lid, top first. The "top" of the artificial eye will be shown to you by your attending technician at the time of delivery.