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Contact Lens Solution: Importance, Types, Application and Benefits
Contact lens solution is a product that you use to store your contact lenses as well as to clean and disinfect them. Contact lens solution is important in the proper maintenance of your contact lenses and in preventing eye infections. The different types of eye contact lens solutions can include multipurpose solutions and hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, which are both suitable for rigid gas-permeable contact lenses according to Vision Centre. To properly apply contact lens solution, fill the lens case with a new contact lens cleaning solution, ensure you have washed and dried your hands thoroughly, place one lens in your palm and pour three drops of the cleaning solution. Then gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth motion while in your palm to clean the surface of the lens. Finally, rinse your contact lens with more of the solution and place it in your contact lens case. Repeat this process for the other lens, close the case and leave your lenses to soak overnight. The benefits of a contact lens solution are its cleaning and disinfecting qualities as contact lens solution ingredients commonly include polyquaternium to break down pathogens and proteins, propylene glycol which produces a layer over the mucous membrane to alleviate eye inflammation and boric acid which has antibiotic properties and is intended to clean and soothe irritated eyes according to Healthline.
What is Contact Lens Solution?
A contact lens solution is a chemical substance to clean and disinfect your contact lenses. Generally, a contact lens solution comes with a case to keep your contact lenses soaking in the solution overnight. The purpose of a contact lens solution is to ensure your contact lenses are clean and properly stored to prevent them from accumulating germs and bacteria, and for safekeeping.
What is the Importance of Contact Lens Solution?
The importance of a contact lens solution is that they ensure contact lenses do not collect protein deposits, which may lead to irritation in your eyes and eyelids. Contact lens cleaning solutions are created with chemicals and preservatives that eliminate dirt and harmful bacteria from polluting contact lenses. Contact lens solutions may commonly include a disinfectant, preservative, surfactant and wetting solution according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Elimination of dirt and bacteria is essential in preventing the development of any eye infections. Wearing contact lenses may increase the chances of eye infections, therefore, it is important to take all the necessary cleaning steps and maintain regular cleaning to keep your eyes safe.
How Can Contact Lens Solution Prolong the Life of Contact Lenses?
Contact lens solution can prolong the life of contact lenses as the ingredients that are used keep them clean, and in an optimal condition and help to preserve them. The solution aids in hydrating the lenses when you leave them in the case with the contact lens solution to soak overnight. Contact lens solution ingredients may include polyquaternium to break up pathogens and proteins, propylene glycol, which creates a layer over the mucous membrane to alleviate eye inflammation and boric acid, which has antibiotic properties and is intended to clean and soothe irritated eyes according to Healthline. Other common ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide, polyaminopropyl biguanide and saline are also typically used in contact solution.
What are the Different Types of Contact Lens Solutions?
The different types of contact lens solutions are multipurpose and hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens solutions. They differ in application methods as the process for using multipurpose contact lens solution only involves using one solution while hydrogen peroxide-based contact solution requires two additional solutions. Using a multipurpose solution you will need to moisten the contact lenses while in your palm and gently rub them to clean. Then rinse them with more of the multipurpose solution and lastly place them in the case with fresh solution to soak for the next use. Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions require using a separate surfactant to clean contact lenses followed by a sterile saline solution rinse before disinfecting with the hydrogen peroxide-based solution. This is then followed by neutralisation, which is a paramount step as hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation, stinging, burning and damage to the cornea. The different types of eye lens contact solutions are listed below.
- Multipurpose Solution: Multipurpose solution both disinfects and cleans contact lenses.
- Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Solution: Hydrogen peroxide-based solution effectively disinfects and requires a separate cleaning solution, rinsing solution and neutralisation step to clean contact lenses.
1. Multipurpose Solution
Multipurpose solution is a product that both cleans and disinfects contact lenses in one chemical solution. The application process involves rewetting the contact lenses with the multipurpose solution and rubbing them back and forth with your finger to remove any dirt or debris. Lastly, rinse them with more of the multipurpose solution and place your contact lenses in their case with a fresh pour of multipurpose solution. This type of contact lens solution is an affordable and convenient option, making it the most popular choice. Multipurpose contact lens solution is important as it serves the two main needs to properly maintain the condition of your contact lenses.
2. Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Solution
Hydrogen peroxide is another type of contact lens solution that effectively disinfects contact lenses. Using hydrogen peroxide-based solution requires a neutralisation step, which can either be conducted in a one-step process or a two-step process. The neutralisation can be carried out in the one-step process during the disinfection step by using a case that has a neutralisation disk built in the bottom that automatically neutralises the hydrogen peroxide. In the two-step process, neutralisation can be completed by adding a neutralising tablet to the solution after disinfection of the contact lenses. This type of contact lens solution may be a suitable and more expensive option for those who are sensitive or allergic to chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions are important as they can thoroughly disinfect contact lenses.
What is the Proper Application of Contact Lens Solution?
The proper application of contact lens solution involves a series of steps to follow depending on the type of contact lens solution you are using. For multipurpose contact lens solutions, you will need to clean the contact lens, rub, rinse and store in case. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, you will need to clean the contact lens with a surfactant solution, rinse, disinfect, neutralise and store in case. The instructions on how to properly apply contact lens solution are listed below.
- Clean The Contact Lens: This step will involve pouring the multipurpose solution on the contact lens. For a hydrogen peroxide-based solution, you will need to clean the contact lens with a surfactant solution.
- Rub: Here, you will need to rub the contact lens back and forth with your fingers. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, you will need to rinse the contact lens again with a saline solution prior to disinfection with hydrogen peroxide solution.
- Rinse: This step will require rinsing the contact lens with more of the multipurpose solution. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, neutralise the solution.
- Store: Store the contact lenses in their case with a fresh pour of the multipurpose solution. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, contact lenses can be kept in the neutralised solution until the next use.
1. Clean The Contact Lens
To clean the contact lens with a multipurpose solution, you will need to pour the solution onto the contact lens in your clean and dry palm. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, first, rinse the contact lens with a surfactant solution to ensure the thorough removal of debris on contact lenses. When using hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, use a separate surfactant to rinse the contact lens.
2. Rub
Rub the contact lens back and forth while in your palm with your fingers for 20 seconds, this will help remove any built-up debris on the contact lens. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, rinse the contact lens again with a saline solution before placing the contact lens in their case with the hydrogen peroxide-based solution to soak for a period of time.
3. Rinse
Rinse the contact lens with additional drops of the multipurpose contact lens solution and for hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, a one-step process will involve placing the contact lenses in a basket that goes into a cylindrical case that automatically neutralises the solution with built-in disks at the bottom of the case. In a two-step process, after the contact lenses have been immersed in the solution for a certain amount of time, a tablet can be added to neutralise the solution.
4. Store
Store your contact lenses in their case with a fresh multipurpose solution to soak before the next use. For hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, contact lenses can be kept in the neutralised solution for the next use for up to 14 or 30 days. It is important to follow all instructions provided with your contact lens solution to ensure correct application.
How Long Before the Next Application of the Contact Lens Solution?
Your next application of contact lens solutions should be after each use to make sure they are clean and safe for the next use. If you only use bi-weekly contact lenses, you must still carry out the necessary contact lens cleaning solution processes immediately after removing them. Contact lenses can be worn throughout the day for up to 8-16 hours.
Can You Sleep With Contact Lenses On?
No, you cannot sleep with contact lenses on as it may cause redness, irritation, pain and the risk of an eye infection.
Are Contact Lens Solutions Non-Irritant for the Eyes?
Yes and no, they are generally safe for the eyes, however, some people may be sensitive or allergic to multipurpose solutions due to the active ingredients. Therefore, they may cause symptoms of pink eye if you are sensitive to chemicals. Common signs that may occur if you are sensitive or allergic to contact lens solutions may include redness, itchiness and watery eyes. Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions may be a suitable option as they do not contain preservatives.
What are the Benefits of Contact Lens Solutions?
The benefits of contact lens solutions are a wetting solution, surfactant, disinfectant and preservatives. The benefits of contact lens solutions are listed below.
- Wetting Solution: The wetting solution in contact lenses is intended to maintain the moisture in contact lenses which can help ensure comfortability.
- Surfactant: A surfactant in contact lens solutions helps with the thorough removal of debris and increasing moisture.
- Disinfectant: The disinfectant agent in contact lens solutions eliminates germs and harmful bacteria that may accumulate in contact lenses.
- Preservative: Preservatives in contact lens solutions keep contact lenses in an optimal and effective condition for longer.
1. Wetting Solution
A wetting solution may be included in many contact lens solutions as it maintains moisture in contact lenses, which ensures their softness and comfort. Rigid permeable contact lenses especially require a wetting agent as they mitigate the impact of contact lenses touching the cornea of the eye according to the Vision Care Institute.
2. Surfactant
A surfactant facilitates the moisture of contact lenses much like a wetting solution and the removal of any proteins, mucin, lipids and debris from the surface of contact lenses. Surfactant agents in contact lens solutions consist of hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds which help to reduce surface tension according to the National Institutes of Health.
3. Disinfectant
The disinfectant in contact lens solutions are essential in eliminating germs and harmful bacteria on contact lenses that can cause serious eye infections. Contact lenses have direct contact with the eye, therefore, disinfection is vital in the prevention of developing symptoms such as inflammation and irritation. Common symptoms of an eye infection may include swelling, watery eyes, redness, itching, pain and a burning sensation in the eye.
4. Preservative
Preservatives are responsible for helping contact lenses to retain their prime condition and effectiveness for longer. According to Healthline, a common preservative that is added to contact lens solutions may be polyaminopropyl biguanide, which also holds disinfection and cleaning properties.
What are the Mistakes to Avoid When Using Contact Lens Solutions?
The mistakes to avoid when using contact lens solutions can include using expired solutions, not rubbing contact lenses, not cleaning contact lens cases and using the incorrect solution. Other general mistakes to avoid when using contact lenses can include showering with contacts in, swimming with contacts in and using tap water to clean contact lenses. The mistakes to avoid when using contact lens solutions are listed below.
- Using Expired Solutions: It is important to familiarise yourself with the date your solution expires as it may not be safe to use and may no longer be effective.
- Not Rubbing Contact Lenses: Not rubbing your contact lenses during the cleaning process may mean they are not properly cleaned.
- Not Cleaning Contact Lens Cases: Not cleaning contact lens cases can lead to a build-up of bacteria in the case and should be cleaned with a sterile disinfecting solution.
- Using the Incorrect Solution: Using the incorrect solution may have adverse effects on your contact lenses as each solution is not the same and contact lenses require different specifications.
1. Using Expired Solutions
Using expired solutions is a common mistake people make especially if you have a large supply. Expired solutions, even if they are unopened, should not be used due to potential loss of disinfection properties and, therefore, may cause contamination to contact lenses. Additionally, people may also commonly make the mistake of reusing contact lens solution that was previously poured, which can increase risk of eye infection.
2. Not Rubbing Contact Lenses
Not rubbing contact lenses after pouring the contact lens solution may lead to them not being properly cleaned as the rub and rinse method is recommended to ensure thorough removal of the dirt and sediments on the lens surface.
3. Not Cleaning Contact Lens Cases
Not cleaning contact lens cases can result in an accumulation of microorganisms and therefore requires a sterile disinfection solution in order to correctly clean the case. It is important to clean the case after each use and to properly dry it with clean tissue to make sure there is no residual moisture. Leftover moisture can lead to the growth of bacteria, consequently, lens cases should not be air-dried.
4. Using the Incorrect Solution
Using the incorrect solution for your contact lenses may lead to ineffective or incorrect cleaning processes. Different types of contact lenses can require specific types of contact lens solutions. It is important to make sure you follow all instructions on which type of solution is most suitable for your contact lenses as advised by an eye care professional.
How Long Can Contact Lenses be Kept in a Contact Lens Solution?
Contact lenses can be kept in a contact lens solution between 24 hours to 30 days depending on the type of solution and contact lens. According to the American Optometric Association, there are some types of contact lens solutions such as multipurpose solutions that allow storage for extended periods of time. However, it is important to carefully follow all the instructions as advised to ensure safe storage practices. It is advised to replace the solution at least once after 30 days.
Should I Replace the Contact Lens Solution Every Time I Use My Contact Lenses?
Yes, you should replace the contact lens solution every time you use your contact lenses as the old solution can harbour bacteria and contaminate your contact lenses. Ensuring you use a fresh batch of contact lens solution for each use can help prevent the development of eye infections.
Can I Use the Contact Lens Solution as Eye Drops?
No, you should not use contact lens solutions as eye drops as they are not manufactured for direct use on the eyes. Therefore, they may not sufficiently function the same as a proper eye drops product.
Can Contact Lenses be Stored without Contact Lens Solutions?
No, storing contact lenses in solution is the only way to safely store them. To ensure they are kept in good condition, they must be placed in a contact lens case immersed in contact lens solution.
Can I Use Water as a Replacement for Contact Lens Solution?
No, you should not use water as a replacement for contact lens solutions as contact lens solutions have specific chemical properties that all serve a specific function. Water does not have the same properties to effectively care for contact lenses. These functions include breaking down pathogens and proteins and forming a layer over the mucous membrane to alleviate eye inflammation. They also provide antibiotic properties and are intended to clean and soothe irritated eyes.
Can I Use Enzymatic Cleaner to Clean My Contacts?
Yes, you can use an enzymatic cleaner to clean your contacts. According to the National Institutes of Health, it may be recommended to use enzymatic cleaner for soft contact lenses. An enzymatic cleaner is a specific type of cleaning agent to remove accumulated protein from soft contact lenses. However, it cannot remove germs, oils and dirt, therefore, should not be used as the main contact lens solution.