Contact Lens Solution Check List

There are different types of contact lens solutions available in the market, each with different set of usage instructions & cautions. To help prevent your contact lens solution losing its efficacy, follow the check list below:

1. Always read the label on the bottle. It must clearly mention its compatibility with contact lenses.
2. Never leave the cap of your solution bottle empty. Doing so will evaporate the preservative responsible for the disinfection.
3. Never touch the tip of the solution bottle with your fingers, hand or any other object ever.
4. Never share solutions containing hydrogen peroxide with friends. They may confuse it with multi-purpose solution that can harm their eyes.
5. Always use the special contact lens case with hydrogen peroxide that comes with the solution bottle. Throw both the bottle & the case when the solution finishes. Start with the new case as you open the new bottle of hydrogen peroxide.
6. Leave contact lenses in solution for at least 6 hours to allow neutralization when using hydrogen peroxide.
7. Always check the expiry date of contact lens solution. Preferably use pharmacy made solutions.
8. Rinsing solutions neither disinfect contact lenses nor breakdown protein accumulation. If you are not sensitive to preservatives, use only multi-purpose solution to prevent drug interaction.  
9. Saline sterile solution should only be used for soaking contact lenses. Contact lenses can also be stored in saline solution for a short period in emergency. Don’t forget to disinfect using multipurpose solution as soon as possible before inserting your contacts again.

Always consult your doctor before you switch to a new regime of disinfecting your contact lenses. Also, read the label of the solution bottle and all instructions thoroughly at least twice. If you have concerns, stop immediately and consult your eye doctor. 

Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lens Solution

There are various types of contact lens solutions available. Some soak, some rinse, some disinfect whereas some do all the three. Depending on your life style and sensitivities, you can choose the one that best fits. Contact lens solutions should be thoughtfully purchased, after giving a thorough read to the label. It is always good to do the homework before you twiddle mindlessly at the shelves of the mart.

Also Read: [ Things you Need to Know about Contact Lens Solution]

Which Contact Lens Solution is Right for Me?

Saline Solution: Saline solution is a sterile salt solution. It stores contact lenses and rinse them but do not clean and disinfect. Saline solutions are required when you are using heat or UV disinfecting system. Since some people are irritated to one step cleaning and disinfecting solutions, they can go for UV disinfecting system if they find hydrogen peroxide way too expensive. Saline solution may also be used for cleaning the contact lens disinfecting devices.

Daily Cleaners: Daily cleaners are used for cleaning contact lenses on daily basis. They are rub and rinse solutions. Squirt a few drops of the solution and rub your lenses from both the sides to clean them. A contact lens daily cleaning solution may contain a mild abrasive such as a detergent and a surfactant to clean the buildup from over the lenses. The presence of surfactant makes sure that your contact lenses are not scratched whilst being cleaned. Some cleaning solutions also contain silica gel abrasive particles, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents.

Always use other disinfecting solutions along with daily cleaners for the disinfecting job.

Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solutions:

Multi-purpose contact lens solutions are the easiest. They are no rub formula. They alone do the job of rinsing, cleaning, storing & disinfecting without having to put any extra effort of rubbing your contacts. They may contain preservatives to which some people may be irritated. With multipurpose contact lens solution, no other lens care products are necessary.

Hydrogen Peroxide:

Hydrogen peroxide solutions are a best match for sensitive eyes. They are free from preservatives. Solutions containing hydrogen peroxide should be used with caution. Disinfecting done by hydrogen peroxide is always accompanied by a neutralization process carried out in a special basket, equipped with a metallic disc.

Also Read: [Considerations with Hydrogen Peroxide]

If you are suffering from an eye infection or have overly sensitive eyes; it is advised to discuss with your doctors before choosing from the different types of solution for cleaning & disinfecting your contact lenses. 

Considerations with Hydrogen Peroxide Contact Lens Solution

Solutions containing hydrogen per oxide are known for effective breakdown of proteins and lipids. Though multi-purpose solutions are more convenient in a busy day-to-day life today, they may contain preservatives that can be too harsh for people with sensitive eyes. Hydrogen peroxide solutions, on the other hand are free from preservatives, but they do demand caution. Precautionary measures should be taken when cleaning contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution for Sensitive Eyes

These solutions meet the need of people with sensitive eyes prone to allergies. They do a thorough job of disinfecting contact lenses particularly for lenses with excessive protein buildup. For instance, an oily tear film that produces a lot of nasty buildup on contact lenses.

Unlike multipurpose solution, it is critical to remember that contact lenses disinfected through hydrogen peroxide cannot be directly inserted into the eyes soon after the rinsing/disinfecting process. Hydrogen peroxide may sting or burn your eyes therefore in order to make them safe for eyes; it is necessary to conduct a neutralization process.

Hydrogen Peroxide & Neutralization

The neutralization process is carried out in a special contact lens case that possesses a special silver disc. When contact lenses are soaked inside the chambers of the case; the disc starts reacting with hydrogen peroxide to carry out a bubbling process. The bubbling process is the actual process of neutralization that may takes several minutes. Disc loses its effectiveness with time, therefore it is recommended to use a new disc every time you open a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide contact lens solution.

Emergency Flush out:

Even though hydrogen peroxide causes stinging sensation accompanied by painful rash upon accidental spilling in eyes; it fortunately does not leave potential damages on to your cornea. If you happen to get some of it into your eyes, immediately take your contact lenses out and wash your eyes with sterile saline solution or cold water. Instill anti-inflammatory eye drops and proceed to your doctor if it continues to itch or burn accompanied by an unusual swelling.