How to Use a Prosthetic Contact Lens

A prosthetic contact lens is used to mask deformities of the eye such as misshapen pupils, clouded or milky irises, albinism or differently colored irises, as well as block excess light. Prosthetic lenses look and feel like regular contact lenses. The major difference is that prosthetic lenses are not disposable. They are custom-made and more expensive than standard lenses, and so they require a more extensive cleaning regimen. However, with proper cleaning they should last at least a year.

Things You'll Need

• Contact solution
• Contact case
• Plunger
• Wetting drops
• Enzyme cleaning solution

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Instructions

Putting In Your Prosthetic Lens

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid infection.

• 2

  Remove the contact lens from its case and balance it on the tip of one finger.

• 3

  Pull back the upper and lower lids of your eye.

• 4

  Look upward and place the contact lens on your eye. Remove your finger.

• 5

  Close your lids and roll your eye around to allow the contact to settle.

• 6

  Open your eye and blink a few times. The contact should be centered over your pupil.

Removing a Soft Contact Lens

• 7

  Pull down your lower lid with one hand.

• 8

  Use two fingers to gently pinch the sides of the contact lens.

• 9

  Pull the contact lens away from your eye.

• 10

  Place the lens in its case and cover with storage solution.

Basic Maintenance

• 11

  Do not sleep with your contact lens in your eye. Doing so dries it out and allows bacteria and proteins to grow on it. This reduces the overall life of your lens. If you do fall asleep with your contact lens in your eye, use saline drops to wet your eyes upon waking. Remove the contact and clean it with a contact solution. If you have time, allow the lens to rehydrate in solution for an hour or more.

• 12

  Clean your contact lens at least weekly. Place the lens in the palm of your hand. Squeeze a small amount of contact solution onto the lens. Rub the contact lens gently with the tip of your finger for at least 30 seconds. This will help remove protein build up.

• 13

  Soak your lens in an enzyme solution at least once a month. Ask your eye doctor what solution is best for your particular brand of contact lens. This solution removes heavy build-up and prolongs the life of your contact.

• 14

  Contact your eye doctor if you experience persistent discomfort, redness or sight impairment. These may be signs of an incorrectly designed contact lens or an infection.