The Two Safest Ways to Remove a Prosthetic Eye

Best Tools for Artificial Eye Removal

There are two safe ways to remove your artificial eye for cleaning and care. Which one is easier depends mostly on personal preference. 

The first way, which requires the least amount of handling, is to use a specialized suction cup designed exclusively for prosthetic eye removal. A suction cup enables you to remove the artificial eye with minimal contact between your hands and your eye socket. 

The second way is to use your fingers. Both methods take some practice, and you will want to get the hang of whichever method you prefer to use as quickly as possible after getting your artificial eye. This is especially true for young children, who may need your help to remove their prosthetic eye for several years.

We prefer the suction cup method because only one of your hands needs to come in contact with your eye socket. This slight reduction in potential contamination is worth it as you seek to master the simple skill of using a suction cup to remove your prosthesis.

How to Remove a Prosthetic Eye Using a Suction Cup

Here’s a basic process for removing your artificial eye using a suction cup:

Step 1: Wash your hands

You do not want germs or bacteria infiltrating your eye socket. The best time for that to happen is when you remove or re-insert your prosthesis. Wash your hands thoroughly. Plus, you’ll be handling the prosthetic eye after you remove it, and you don’t want any germs camping out on the surface.

Step 2: Secure your surroundings

Artificial eyes are small and can easily slip from your fingers. The last thing you want is to drop it and for it to go down the drain or get damaged.

Put towels or other soft materials on the surfaces below where you’ll be removing the prosthesis to soften the impact if you happen to drop it. 

Step 3: Attach the suction cup 

Using a mirror, hold open your eyelid and push the prosthetic eye remover (the suction cup) against the prosthesis and squeeze the handle. This lets out the air in the suction cup, and if the cup is being held against the artificial eye, it will attach to it firmly. 

Step 4: Remove the prosthesis

Pull down your lower eyelid with a finger from your other hand, and use the suction cup handle to tilt the prosthesis up and out until it clears the eyelid. 

Once it’s out, you can squeeze the handle on the suction cup to release the artificial eye, or just get it with your other hand. Make sure you have it secured so you don’t drop it. 

See photos showing the removal process

Choose the Best Prosthetic Eye Remover for You

You can purchase rubber or silicone prosthetic eye removers for very low cost right on our site, shipped straight to your house.

Both types of suction cups are reusable and washable with soap and water. The main difference between them is that the silicone ones have thinner walls, which makes them a bit easier to squeeze. You might consider getting one of each type and then figure out which one you like better. Both come in a variety of colors.

How Often Should I Remove My Prosthetic Eye?

Children will need help until they are more comfortable / capable of handling their own prosthetic eye care. But once you get comfortable with your prosthesis, you can safely go many days and even weeks between cleanings, in most cases. 

When certain situations arise, such as an illness, traveling through a dusty or very dry area, or getting dehydrated, you’ll need to clean and re-lubricate it more often.

View all types of suction cups for prosthetic eye removal