Cleaning and Sterilization of an Ocular Prosthesis

Raymond E. Peters, Master Ocularist

Sterilization

Many people think that you can boil these eyes or put them under a high heat type of sterilization which is not recommended. I don't recommend that basically because sterilization of this type of constructed acrylic can damage the eye.

The prosthesis is made in three layers with cosmetics between each layer. When a prosthesis has been worn over two years it will have absorbed body fluids and bacteria into the porous surface. High heat will expand the fluids and separate the layers thereby ruining the prosthesis. Cold sterilization is always acceptable.

When the patient experiences irritations, excessive excreta, intermittent infections, it is time to replace the prosthesis. The eye has either been misfitted or has been worn too long and has been saturated with body acid from the fluids. Sterilization will not solve this problem. Only a full replacement of the fitting and the materials will eliminate these problems.

If you have any questions relative to this type of sterilization or cleaning your prosthesis, please contact us and we will try to help you.