Pre‐procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Introduce yourself to the patient, explain and discuss the procedure with them, and gain their consent to proceed.
   To ensure that the patient feels at ease, understands the procedure and gives their valid consent (NMC [162], C).
2. 2.Show
   Wash hands or use an alcohol‐based handrub and put on personal protective equipment.
   To reduce the risk of cross‐infection (NHS England and NHSI [148], C).

Procedure

1. 3.Show
   Wearing non‐sterile gloves and with the dominant hand, gently pull the bottom eyelid downwards and exert slight pressure below the eyelid to overcome the suction, enabling the prosthesis to be removed. An extractor may be necessary to gently lever the eye out.
   To minimize patient discomfort and trauma to the area (Stevens [219], E).
2. 4.Show
   Rinse and drain the eye socket with sterile water for irrigation.
   To remove any loose debris and to minimize damage caused by touch. E
3. 5.Show
   Clean the eye with sterile water for irrigation.
   To prevent the build‐up of debris and to reduce the risk of infection (Stevens [219], E).

Post‐procedure

1. 6.Show
   Remove gloves, dispose of equipment and decontaminate hands.
   To keep the environment clean and reduce the risk of cross‐infection (NHS England and NHSI [148], C).
2. 7.Show
   Document the intervention in the patient's notes.
   To maintain accurate records. To provide a point of reference in the event of any queries. To prevent any duplication of treatment (NMC [162], C).