A survey of recommendations on the care of ocular prostheses

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a consistent set of recommendations for patients who wear an ocular prosthesis or if each patient needs an individual plan. METHODS: A self-report questionnaire was distributed to members of the American Society of Ocularists. The survey consisted of 4 questions regarding frequency of removal and cleaning and preferred cleaning and lubrication agents. Respondents had 4 weeks to return the survey for results to be included. RESULTS: One hundred three surveys were sent; 8 were undeliverable, leaving a sample size of 95. Thirty-four percent (32 ocularists) responded. The reason with the most frequency for prosthesis removal was only when the prosthesis felt irritated (31%). Fifty-eight percent reported that the ocular prosthesis should be cleaned every time it is removed. Mild soap or baby shampoo was listed as the preferred cleaning agent with 24% each. A majority listed a silicone oil based lubricant (29%), but responses varied based on the patient's needs. CONCLUSIONS: An individualized treatment plan is indicated for most patients who wear an ocular prosthesis. Despite this, some commonalities in responses were noted, specifically that the ocular prosthesis needs to be cleaned with every removal, and a silicone oil lubricant is recommended. Optometry 2010;81:142-145