Proper Care Of Your Contact Lenses

When you were first fitted for contact lenses, your eyecare professional recommended a specific lens care product system and also provided you with specific instructions on how to best utilize this system with your lenses. It is always advisable to stay with your eye care professional’s recommendation and to avoid changing systems and/or products without first consulting with him/her Do not be confused or tempted by the vast selection of products on the shelves at your local pharmacy or supermarket. The recent product recalls in the contact lens care industry should serve to encourage a stronger relationship with your eye care professional. It is eye care professionals who should be your best and first resource for valuable information. Go to him/her first when you come across new information about disinfection options in the market. If you are curious about some of the choices that you see on the shelves ask first and then try the system that your eye care professional recommends.

There are many multi-purpose type solutions in the market and your friends may be using a brand that they feel is practical. However in November 2004, the Department of Medical Parasitology, Clinical Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna conducted a study that compared the results of one and two step cleaning systems against acanthamoebae, a very dangerous parasite. The results were not what the industry was expecting and they led to a re-evaluation of the preservative options selected by manufacturers for these types of solutions. Simply, it was found that one-step cleaning systems did not have a great enough effect on the acanthamoeba cysts specifically and therefore could not guarantee ocular safety from the related parasite. In contrast however, two-step hydrogen peroxide based systems completely destroyed even the highest concentration the acanthamoeba cysts tested. AOSept ® by Ciba, introduced in 1997, has been a long-standing option for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. This hydrogen peroxide based system has essentially changed very little since it was when first introduced to the market.

Nevertheless, AOSept® effectively destroys cysts and kills bacteria when used as recommended by the manufacturer. This system is designed to take the hydrogen peroxide solution provided, neutralize it by way of a specialized catalyst that converts the peroxide solution into sterile water and oxygen gas which is released by way of a small pinhole at the top of the lens case supplied with the system. Although this conversion of hydrogen peroxide into its natural component by products is practical and completely safe, the process requires several hours to guarantee neutralization. Practically speaking most lens wearers would use the system at night and would find their lenses ready to use in the morning. That is why it is a strong favorite of many eye care professionals.

One of the contact lens products you may be familiar with is Saline. This solution has become well known to the public. Different versions of this solution are used in many situations. However, when it comes to contact lenses this familiar product should have its use limited to the rinsing and short-term storage of contact lenses. It should never be considered for the cleaning or disinfecting of your lenses. You can use it as a safe wash when contact lens detergent solutions are included in your lens regimen so that you may ensure the complete rinsing of all irritating detergent agents.

Regardless of the cleaning regimen that your eyecare provider selects for you, the following precautions should be included in your day to day handling of your contact lenses so that you may minimize the risk of eye infections:

· Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild detergent before handling your contact lenses.

· Avoid getting tap water on or near your lenses.

· Regularly clean and replace your contact lens case as directed.

· Do not reuse the remaining solution in your lens case upon insertion of your contact lenses. Discard it and use fresh solution when you are ready for your next cleaning process.

· Follow wear instructions for your contact lenses – daily disposable lenses are to be discarded daily.

· Be sure to replace the cap on the bottle of solution after each use.

· Schedule regular eye exams as recommended by your eye care professional.