At a glance
- Lens care systems and solutions are products you use to clean, disinfect, and store your contact lenses.
- Proper contact lens care is important for keeping your eyes healthy and free from infection.
Overview
Proper care of your contact lenses significantly impacts both your vision and eye health. It's important to follow instructions provided by your eye care provider and the contact lens solution manufacturer.
When it comes to lens care routines, cleaning involves removing deposits, debris, and some germs from the lens surface, while disinfection is essential for killing harmful germs on contact lenses that can lead to severe eye infections.
Types of contact lens care solutions
- Multipurpose solution
- Daily cleaners
- Saline
Types of contact lens care systems
- Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) care systems
- Hydrogen peroxide-based systems
Contact lens care solutions
Multipurpose Solution
Multipurpose solution is an all-in-one care system used to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store soft contact lenses. This solution is the most commonly used care system among soft contact lens wearers.
Follow these steps for proper use:
- Rub and rinse your contact lenses and store them in fresh solution every time you remove them.
- Avoid "topping off" by never mixing fresh solution with old or used solution in the case, as it reduces disinfection effectiveness.
- Rub and rinse your contact lens storage case with fresh solution and avoid any use of water.
- Empty all excess solution from the case and dry it with a fresh, clean tissue.
- Store the clean case upside down on a fresh, clean tissue with the caps off after each use to prevent germ build up.
Daily Cleaners
Daily cleaner is for cleaning, not disinfecting, your contact lenses. The cleaner loosens and removes deposits and debris. Apply a few drops to your palm, then rub the lens as directed on both sides. After cleaning, use additional products like multipurpose solution for rinsing, disinfecting, and storing the lenses.
Saline
Saline solution does not disinfect contact lenses. Only use saline for rinsing contact lenses after cleaning and disinfecting with another care system. For example, some hydrogen peroxide-based systems suggest rinsing contact lenses with saline before insertion. Talk to your eye care provider to determine if saline is necessary your care routine.
Contact lens care systems
Hydrogen peroxide-based Systems
Hydrogen peroxide-based systems both clean and disinfect contact lenses, often recommended for those allergic to multipurpose solution. These systems come with a special case that converts hydrogen peroxide to saline over time. It is important to use only the provided case, as other cases won't convert to saline and may cause discomfort when putting on lenses.
Important Hydrogen Peroxide Tips
- Follow all instructions on the label for proper use.
- Put the contact lenses in the special case with fresh solution.
- Never mix fresh solution with old or used solution.
- Wait 4 to 6 hours (as directed) before wearing lenses.
- Avoid rinsing lenses with hydrogen peroxide directly before insertion to prevent discomfort.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) care systems
Care systems for rigid gas permeable, or hard, contact lenses are different from those used for soft lenses. Hard lenses usually need separate solutions for wetting, cleaning, and disinfecting. Never use hard lens products on soft lenses. Consult your eye care provider to find the best care system for your hard lenses and lens care systems tailored to your eyes and lens type.