Although the time may vary, most ophthalmologists have their patients fitted six to eight weeks
after surgery. Generally, if too much time passes before the patient is fitted, the socket may
begin to shrink and thus it becomes more difficult to achieve a satisfactory cosmetic and
functional result. If too little time elapses, not enough healing has occurred to achieve a
proper fit.
In most cases a conformer made of plastic or silicone is placed in the socket following surgery.
The conformer is placed to maintain orbit volume and to help form the cul-de-sacs (lid pockets) that will hold the eye
in place. The conformer should be left in at all times so that socket volume is not lost while
healing proceeds.
Do not rub your lids from the nose toward the side of your face, ( down and
outward motion). This may
dislodge the conformer or the prosthesis, when you start wearing it. Always
close your eye before you wipe, and do so toward
the nose in a horizontal direction.
If the conformer should slip out, wash it with soap and
water, rinse well and reinsert. If you should happen to lose the conformer, it is important
to get a replacement from your ocularist.
To insert the conformer or the prosthesis, after you wash your hands and rinse
them well, lift the upper lid with the thumb or forefinger of one hand. Next,
slide the conformer under the upper lid and, while holding it in place, pull
down on the lower lid. This allows the conformer to slip into place in the
socket. Your ocularist may have a care sheet with photos regarding the insertion
and removal procedure.
