The Proper Way to Care and Clean your Contact Lens!

Why is contact lens care important?

Many contact lens user are either ignorant or didn't do the right things when comes to caring contact lens. Depending on the type of lens you are wearing, there are many different options for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Like all synthetic materials, contact lenses are subject to a buildup of micro-organisms and deposits. If not removed, these deposits and absorbed materials can build up on the lens surface which over time may result in the reduction of comfort and vision as well as an increased risk of contamination.

This is why lenses need to be cared for on a regular basis using various types of solutions, which are not only compatible with the lens materials but also with the eye itself.

Why can't water be used for rinsing contact lenses?

Tap water contains chlorine, minerals and metal particles, which can damage both the lenses and the eye. Among other things, water contains organisms, which can lead to serious infections of the eye through microbial contamination. Home made saline, purified or distilled water does not disinfect contact lenses and should not be used for rinsing the lenses. Saline are manufacture in a controlled environment and invloves designated amount of recipes of ingredients. As such home made saline, purified water from home tap should not be used to rinse contact lens.

The Right Cleaning Solutions For You.

Some lens care solution allows your eyes to stay better protected and hence healthier. The moisturizing effect of the solutions locks in moisture and prevents lens dehydration for enhanced levels of lens comfort. Some peroxide-based lens care solution comes without the preservatives found in many all-in-one solutions. Peroxide provides unsurpassed disinfecting efficacy and cleaning for improved lens comfort. If you have sensitive eyes, you need to choose those that is suitable for people with sensitive eyes. Generally it can be used with gas permeable lenses, soft contact lenses and disposable contact lenses.

In short, you should choose a suitable solutions that will: 1. lubricates contact lenses and re-wets dry and irritated eyes.

2. Relief from dry and irritated eyes. Specially formulated to lubricate and moisten your lens to help relieve irritation from dirt, smoke and dryness.

3. Enhance lens movement for comfortable lens wear.

4. Formulated for sensitive eyes as it does not contain thimerosal or chlorhexidine, preservatives to which some people are sensitive.

5. Suitable for all types of contact lenses including silicone acrylate rigid gas permeable lenses.

6. Outstanding protein removal performance for all contact lenses. Triple action formula: removes proteins, prevents calcium deposits, kills germs. Excellent antimicrobial properties: proven to kill 99% of acanthamoeba spores.

7. Preservative and enzyme free.

You should adhere to 3 Important Things on contact lens care.

1. Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfecting is an important step to kill micro-organisms responsible for eye infections.

2. Storage
Contact lenses must be stored in approved saline solutions.

3. Re-wetting
Use as needed to alleviate symptoms of lens dryness. This is not an actual lens care step, but can be used for extra comfort.

How about the lens case?
The lens case itself must also be cleaned and replaced regularly. After inserting lenses, rinse out lens case with saline solution, leave open to dry.

Will medicated eye drops affect my contact lens?
Medicated eye drops often have preservatives, which can penetrate the lens structure. Lenses should always be removed before inserting drops, unless they are designed for contact lenses. Certain medications transform the tear film both qualitatively and quantitatively. This can lead to temporary or even permanent incompatibility of the lenses.

Antihistamines (for hay fever), high blood pressure medications, laxatives, hormone preparations (pills), sedatives, sleeping pills, acne and rheumatism preparations, and pregnancy can alter the tear film structure.

Nicotine can tint the lenses; alcohol leads to dry eye.

Summary
Depending on the type of lens you are wearing, there are many different options for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses. Some lenses, such as daily disposable lenses require little to no lens care - they are simply thrown away after each use. However, if you wear lenses that your eye care professional has recommended that you take out and re-insert into your eye, they should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Proper care for your lenses can help your lenses stay clean and comfortable for you to wear. Your eye care professional can help you decide what lens care solutions are best for you.

If you experience any problems with your contact lenses, please remove your lenses and consult your eye care professional right away. Discomfort can be an early sign of a more serious complication, and early treatment can have a significant impact on overcoming problems.