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Proper maintenance of contact lenses is a must for
every lens wearer. Well maintained lenses will last longer and will also
help guard against infections or other health problems. It is necessary
to have the proper maintenance products for contact lenses as plain soap
and water will not get the job done and will most likely destroy the
lenses.
The following is a list of contact lens maintenance
products with a brief description of what each product does for the
lenses:
A) Cleaning solution
Once the lens is removed from
the eye, this product is applied and gently rubbed on the contact with
one finger while cupping the lens in the opposite hand. The purpose of
the cleaning solution is to remove dirt and debris that may have
collected on the lens while it was being worn. Keeping the lens clean
will help with maintaining visual acuity and comfort.
B) Soaking
solution
Contact lenses will need to be immersed in a soaking
solution for several hours after they are cleaned. Most contact wearers
have the lenses soak overnight. The purpose of the soaking solution is
to re-hydrate the lenses as they tend to dry out after being worn all
day. Some soaking solutions will also disinfect the lenses as they soak
overnight.
C) Combination solutions
Some manufacturers of
contact lens products have created solutions that perform several
functions. For example, there are products on the market that combine
cleaning, wetting and soaking solutions in one bottle. The purpose of
these combination solutions is to create a convenient, one step product
for the lens wearer.
D) Disinfecting solution
Germs can hide
in contact lenses, whether they are bacterial, viral or fungal. A
hydrogen peroxide or chemical disinfectant can kill these germs and help
to safeguard against infection. Care should be taken if hydrogen
peroxide is used, since this can be irritating to the eye. A
neutralizing solution should be applied to the lens after the hydrogen
peroxide. Chemical disinfectants do not need to be neutralized
afterwards.
E) Neutralizing solution
If hydrogen peroxide is
used to disinfect the contact lenses, a neutralizing solution is needed.
The solution turns hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, which are
harmless to the eye. Neutralizers can also be found in tablet form.
F)
Enzyme preparations
Protein can build up on contact lenses over time,
and must be removed periodically. Enzyme preparations remove the protein
buildup and should be used weekly. Keeping contact lenses free of
protein buildup will lengthen the life of the lenses. Some contact
lenses will need to be disinfected after using the enzyme preparation,
so read all directions thoroughly.
G) Wetting solution
Hard or
rigid contact lenses sometimes require additional cushioning for optimal
comfort. A wetting solution will create a buffer between the lens and
the eye, thus improving the wearer’s comfort. This solution is applied
to the lens before inserting it into the eye.
H) Rewetting
solution
Occasionally, contact lenses dry out during the day when
they are being worn. This can be quite uncomfortable for the wearer. It
can feel as if a piece of dirt is stuck on the eye, or sometimes it can
be a burning sensation. Rewetting solutions are applied to the eye while
the lens is still being worn and will help alleviate the discomfort.
I)
Water
This simple, every day liquid is important to mention. Rigid
gas permeable lenses can be rinsed with water without causing harm to
the lenses. On the other hand, soft lenses must never be rinsed with or
placed in water. Soft lenses are made of hydrogel, and water will cause
significant damage to the lenses.
G) Saline solution
Some
contact lens products will need to be washed away after applying them to
the lenses. If water cannot be used for this purpose, as in the case of
soft lenses, a sterile saline solution can be used. Saline solutions are
also used to clean lenses in a heating system or lenses can be stored in
the saline.
You would find a sea of products aimed at contact
lens wearers and as a user you should better know which one to use and
which not. There are differences between products for rigid gas
permeable lenses and soft lenses. Follow the guidelines provided by an
optometrist to maintain the lenses and use the recommended best brands
only. For the longevity of the lenses and overall health of the eyes,
follow the guideline as close as possible.
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