BFS Patient Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the daily essentials for care of the device? Is there a carrying case available that is smaller than the one provided by the BFS?
A. Daily Essentials:

• Unisol 4™ (enough to fill the devices)
• One device case
• One insertion and one removal plunger

A small digital camera case or makeup bag, available at any major department store, should fit your daily essentials.

Q. I just received my device(s) from BFS. How do I prepare them for insertion?
A. When you receive your device(s), you may notice that they are shipped in a
viscous fluid - this is Boston Conditioning Solution™. The fluid itself is safe to put
in the eye, but we recommend cleaning the device(s) with Lobob Optimum
ESC™ and rinsing prior to use.

Q. How do I store my device(s)?
A. The device can be stored dry. We recommend that any devices that are not used for two or more days, should be stored dry. Take your device out of the overnight disinfection solution (ClearCare™, Oxycept™, or hydrogen peroxide) and wipe with an alcohol wipe. The device can then go in a white screw top case dry and be stored indefinitely. When you want to use the device again, take it from the screw top case and run it through your normal disinfection process before inserting. Under no circumstances should a device stay in the overnight disinfection case for multiple days. If this occurs, simply re-disinfect the device and remove it in the morning.

Q. What is the most current cleaning protocol?
A. At BFS we are dedicated to providing the best products and cleaning regiments for our patients. This means that from time to time we change the products we use. The current cleaning regiment includes the use of ClearCare™, Lobob Optimum Extra Strength Cleaner™, and Unisol 4™ by Alcon.

Q. What should I do if I experience any of the following symptoms while wearing my prosthetic device(s)?
A. If you experiencing:
        1. Persistent redness/soreness not noticed before
        2. Increased sensitivity to light while wearing the device
        3. Eye pain
        4. Presence of mucous discharge
        5. Burning
Discontinue using the device and seek medical consultation by your ophthalmologist, cornea specialist, or optometrist.

Q. My condition leads to the accumulation of mucus on the outside of the device. What can I do?
A. You can use one drop of Boston Conditioning Solution™ on the end of a Q-tip to “squeegee” the outside surface of the device. Boston Conditioning Solution™ is safe to use on the device without removing it from the eye. (Note: Please use only Boston Conditioning Solution™. Boston Advanced Conditioner™, Boston Cleaning Solution™, and Boston Enzyme™ should not be used to do this.)

Q. I take a medicated eye drop and wear the device(s). How do I use the drops?
A. If the medication is used once a day or twice per day, put the eye drop in before insertion and after device removal. If the medication is three times per day or more, then consult with your primary Ophthalmologist to determine whether is acceptable to apply drops while wearing the device, as the absorption is affected.

Q. Can I sleep or nap in my prosthetic device(s)?
A. You can nap for a maximum of thirty minutes. Sleeping with the device can greatly increase the risk of an eye infection.

Q. Can I swim or shower in the device(s)?
A. You can swim in the device with the use of watertight goggles. Please ensure the goggles are not leaking. Showering is fine while wearing the device; we ask that you turn your back to the water when rinsing your hair.

Q. What solutions can I take on an airplane?
A. You can carry on all necessary solutions except hydrogen peroxide and ClearCare™, which are not allowed on an aircraft under any circumstances. These can be packed in your checked luggage. BFS will provide you with a medical necessity letter addressed to the Transportations Security Administration (TSA) detailing what you should be allowed to bring onto the airplane due to medical reasons.

Q. How often do I need to be seen at BFS for follow-up care?
A. Local patients: 6 months after being discharged, then annually.
Distant patients: Annually, or more frequently if you are experiencing any problems that cannot be resolved by your primary ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Q. What should I expect when I return for my annual visit?
A. Each year we will examine your device(s) and address any related issues. For complete eye exams, including dilations, please go to your primary ophthalmologist or optometrist. BFS does not perform routine eye exams.

Q. Do I continue to see my regular ophthalmologist or optometrist?
A. Yes. You should follow-up with your referring eye doctor within 2-3 weeks after being discharged from the BFS. Continue to see your doctor on an annual basis or per their recommendation.