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. 

Why has my Favorite Pair of Contact Lenses begun to Sting my Eyes out of a Sudden?

Contact lenses if have manufacturing flaws, will sting you right at the moment you slip them in eyes. Contrary to this, if your contact lenses begin stinging your eyes after a couple of months, the reason is either the accumulation of foreign agent or your carelessness & unhygienic approach towards contact lenses.

What to Do if Contact Lenses Sting?

Rinse & Disinfect:

Rinsing & Disinfecting using your regular contact lens solution helps eradicating the following two concerns:

Also Read: [Why do my Eyes Itch after Removing Contact Lenses]

1. Wearing an Inverted Contact Lens: 

If it is the first time your favorite pair of contact lenses is causing a piercing sensation, the reason might be you wearing them inverted. This is often times a product of your lousiness hence not a major concern. Taking them out from eyes & rinsing them before reinserting will solve the issue.

2. Foreign Agent: 

Contact lenses have micro projections that help them adhere to your eyes. These micro-projections also enable adherence of foreign agents such as a tiny lint, dust particles and protein buildup. In most of the cases, rinsing & disinfecting will help relieve the discomfort. If it does not make a difference, look at your contact lenses closely. Inspect them for any possible notches or scratches. If you have been pinching your lenses way too harshly whilst removing them; your contact lenses will begin to de-shape. They may even develop scratches. Be very careful when dealing with contact lenses. Sometimes trying to wear dried out contact lenses also leave a burning sensation because they might have developed wrinkles that don’t usually go even if they look just new after being re-soaked.

Change your Contact Lens Solution:

If your eyes have caught an infection lately or have become allergic to any of the ingredient present in your disinfectant; your contact lenses will continue to burn no matter how much you rinse and clean them. The best way to find out if it is your contact lenses or solution causing the discomfort; is to try rinsing different pairs of contact lenses using the same solution. Most probably, you will notice these symptoms if contact lens solution has been causing you the discomfort.

Contact lenses with enough protein buildup and lipids accumulation also itch your eyes. People who develop sensitivity over time or whose tear-chemistry gets compromised are vulnerable to dirty contact lenses. Solutions containing hydrogen peroxide are notable in such cases for thorough breakdown.

Also Read: [Considerations with Hydrogen Peroxide Solution]

Contact lenses are personal prosthetic devices. Depending on your tear chemistry and health of eyes you may not feel the same your friend feels in contact lenses. Therefore, it is better to consult an eye doctor instead of making assumptions on your own. If the above remedies don’t seem to make a hit; we recommend getting an appointment from your eye care professional for further considerations.

5 Things to Avoid with Contact Lens Solutions

There are various types of contact lens solutions available in the market for rinsing, cleaning and disinfection. Nonetheless, all of them need almost the same care instructions. Contact lens solutions lose efficacy with time & may become dangerous if used past their expiry. If you are an avid contact lens wearer, avoid the following mistakes with your contact lens solutions irrespective of what type you use.

Also Read: [ Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lens Solution]

DON’T:

1. DON’T use contact lens solution past their expiry.
2. DON’T use contact lens solution meant for storing, rinsing or disinfecting to re wet your eyes. Use pharmacy made lubricating drops to moisten your eyes instead.
3. DON’T leave the cap of the solution bottle opened. Doing so will evaporate the preservatives and enzyme responsible for the protein break down.
4. DON’T touch the nozzle or the tip of the bottle with your finger, contact lenses or any other thing that is not sterile and have bacteria accumulation.
5. DON’T top off contact lens solution. Always re fill your chambers fully after each wear with a fresh supply of the solution.

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. 

Pink Eyes: How do I Know if Contact Lenses Causing it or the Lens Solution?

Pink eyes also known as conjunctivitis is a common eye infection with distinctive inflammation of eye lids and or eyes/cornea. Conjunctivitis can be minor or severe – it always is however contagious to provoke the infectious outbreak. Both contact lenses and or the solution to soak/disinfect your contact lenses may spread pink eye disease. Patient is asked to cease wearing contact lenses during the illness but it does not always help. To prevent future viral attacks, please narrow down your symptoms & judge what you need to change – your contact lenses or contact lens solution?

When Solution for Soaking Contact Lenses should be replaced with a Better Brand

There are many types of contact lens solutions available. Some only soak your lenses, some rinse, some re-wet too, and some help production of quality tears whereas some do all of these. Contact lens solutions, no matter what their specialty is, contain preservatives. These preservatives may sometimes trigger allergic response. Therefore, always use a multi-purpose contact lens solution so that there are less chances of drug interaction. In case you opt to choose a set of solutions, you are more likely to get affected by inflammation due to your eyes coming into contact with several of the chemicals that are not always in harmony with each other.

Symptoms if Contact Lens Solution is Causing Discomfort & Pink Eyes

An expired or incompatible contact lens solution is injurious for eyes. Sometimes contact lens solution can lose its efficacy even before meeting the expiry date. This happens due to the improper usage and or mishandling such as leaving your solution bottle opened. (It causes evaporation of disinfectant). If you notice following symptoms, change your contact lens solution. Get a pharmaceutical contact lens solution preferably.

1. Increased sensitivity to light
2. Delayed hypersensitivity: Itching sensation, discharge or stinging even when wearing same pair of contact lenses/brand you had been wearing previously
3. Weepy & warm painful eyes
4. Discomfort even after removing lenses

Sometimes your eyes develop allergy against the same solution you have been using since ages. This happens when manufacturers alter the formula. Always keep a check when a label of your contact lens solution reads “New & Improved”. Some types of lens materials and solutions are not the optimal combinations, so trouble may arise due to incompetency.

Last but not the least an expired contact lens case that is most ignored is also a hidden cause. Case past 3 months of usage needs immediate replacement as the accumulation of bio-film may trigger allergenic response.

Why do My Eyes Itch after Removing Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses if bear manufacturing flaws will itch when you wear them. Contrary to this, if you get an eye sore or develop any kind of irrational discomfort after removing contact lenses then the problem is perhaps in your contact lens solution. Alike contact lenses, there are several varieties of contact lens solutions available in the market but only some meet the health standards.

The delayed hypersensitivity that develops after many months of contact lens wearing is more likely an indication of incompatible solution. Solutions including preservatives that are mercury based often lead to irritation & redness. Harsh chemicals trigger instant reactions leading to temporary ocular disorders. Whilst the best strategy is to discontinue wearing contacts for a day or two, it is advised that you meanwhile look for a hypoallergenic multi-purpose contact lens solution. Multi-purpose solution is a multi-tasking liquid that does not only soak & preserve your contact lenses but also disinfect them thoroughly by breaking down the lipids and proteins accumulated on the surface of circle contacts.

Patients with previous history of infections, allergies, eczema etc. are more likely to get affected by substandard solutions or lenses. The sensitivity grows further if the immediate actions to relieve the discomfort are prevented.

How to identify the culprit of the discomfort

If contact lens solution has been the problem; you should expect any of the following symptoms

1. Irritable & Itchy eyes with same pair of lenses you have been wearing for a couple of months
2. Increasing discomfort even after removing the contacts
3. Weepy eyes that feel warm

What to do?

1. Switch to pharmacy made multi-purpose solutions.
2. Use eye drops to help relieve the discomfort
3. Don’t leave the solution bottle unopened. Leaving the caps off reduces the efficacy of the disinfectant.

Most of the patients are concerned about what they take in their eyes. They however forget the importance of a good contact lens solution. Solutions are as significant as are your contacts. Contact lenses correct the refractive errors, where as a good antimicrobial & bio-compatible multi-purpose solution will form a protective barrier against germs, reaching your eyes.

Also Read: 

Alternatives of Contact Lens Solutions- Safe or Harmful?

What you Need to Know about Contact Lens Solutions?

Contact lens solutions should never be paid any less attention to, than contact lenses. Anything that goes into your eyes must make its way after it has been thoroughly checked for the counter-effects & the risks involved. Not all the contact lens solutions are same & negligence towards picking a right one might end up in horrific aftermath.

Contact Lens & Re-wetting Solutions: What is the Difference?

There is a difference between contact lens cleansing solutions and lubricating solutions. Often times the solution that is used to cleanse contact lenses is not compliant & safe to go into your eyes. On the other hand, re-wetting solution is though safe to come into contact with your cornea; is not strong enough to disinfect your circle lenses from protein buildup & bacteria. This demands you to pick up your contact lens supplies thoughtfully. You would not want to go for saving few bucks & end up paying the double amount in your health bills. Be careful, not only now but ALWAYS.

Multi-Purpose Solution

To soak & disinfect we suggest you to use an FDA approved “Multi-Purpose Solution”. A multi-purpose contact lens solution is capable of removing the dust, debris, lipid & protein buildup. It also is effective to rub & rinse contact lenses. Moreover, multi-purpose solutions do not disturb the PH level of contact lenses. Before picking up a contact lens solution from the store’s shelf; read the label VERY carefully. Follow the instructions accordingly.

Also Read: Can I use multi-purpose solution as an eye drop?

Which is the Best Multi-Purpose Solution?

If your life style consists of outdoor activities & exposes you to air pollution & computer screen, we suggest using Complete Blink N Clean Multi Purpose Solution. This multi-purpose solution is manufactured by a well-known pharmacy i.e. Abbott Medical Optics. This is a two in one formula that re-wets & cleanses your contact lenses without posing any harmful risks to your eyes.