It is likely that you will continue to tear from the socket. At times, tears and secretions
will build up behind the conformer and may release all at once. Do not be alarmed at this normal
event. Simply wipe the lids toward the nose with a tissue or warm wash cloth to remove the
secretions.
You can also use Johnson’s baby shampoo and Q-tips for cleaning dried secretions
from the lid margins. This problem will usually lessen once the prosthetic eye is fit and total
healing is completed. However, if any thick secretions or excessive tearing occur
consult your
ophthalmologist.
Make sure you continue to use any medications that your physician prescribes.
Some conformers have holes in them to enable the antibiotic ointment or drops to get into the
socket and the tears and secretions to drain out.
After a period of time following the surgery,
it will not be medically necessary to wear an eye bandage. However, if you wish to keep the
eye covered while it continues to heal, small flesh-colored eye patches called Opticlude made
by 3M Company can be used. Opticlude patches are available over the counter at
many pharmacies and are
usually found in the bandage section.
Opticlude patches
are less bulky and smaller than the medical bandage eye patches, contoured to
the face and they stick on and peel off easily. They are available in both
junior and adult sizes and because they’re thinner like a Band-Aid, glasses can
easily be worn over them. They are available at your drug store in the
first-aid department.
