Culture samples were obtained from the anophthalmic sockets of 40 consecutive patients using a prosthetic eye. We found an increased prevalence of bacteria in the conjunctivae of anophthalmic sockets. No significant differences in bacterial flora were observed between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, suggesting that symptoms of irritation are not usually related to abnormal bacterial flora. Patients who frequently manipulated their prosthesis had a significantly higher proportion of gram-negative bacteria, suggesting that manipulation of the prosthesis should be avoided.