Caring for your Colored Contact Lenses

All contact lenses have to be cleaned and disinfected every time they are worn. Poor lens hygiene is one of the most common causes of problems with contact lenses, particularly eye infections.

Cleaning Contact Lenses

Contact lens maintenance is a two part process: 1. Cleaning the contact lens and 2. Disinfecting the contact lense.

A note on Daily Lenses / Single Use Lenses
Daily contact lenses can be used straight from the packet and then disposed of at the end of the day. They do not need to be cleaned or disinfected becuase they come packed in a sterile solution.

Contact Lens Solutions

Cleaning solutions are used to remove debris, dirt and mucus from the contact lens.

Disinfecting solutions are used to kill bacteria on the lens that can cause eye infections.

Multi-purpose solutions clean and disinfect contact lenses in one action. Also great for cleaning and disinfecting contact lens cases. Many multi-purpose solutions also contain protein removers which reduces and stops the build up of protein from tears.

Peroxide solution is a two step disinfecting process. The peroxide solion is used to clean and disinfect the lens and a neatralizer to remove the peroxide. Use with caution - you don't want to get peroxide on your eye. Peroxide may also bleach out the color of colored contact lenses - read the label before using with colour contact lenses.

Enzyme and Protein Remover. These come as water disolvable tablets or as a solution which cleans enzymes and removes protein build-up from contact lenses. Protein build-up is cuased by tears and can cause discomfort to eyes.

Rinsing solution removes debris and other solutions in preperation for contact lens usage.

Rewetting Solution / Comfort Eye Drops are used as a lubricant while wearing contact lenses. Helps contact lenses to feel more comfortable on the eyes.

Some warnings about lens solutions
Avoid mixing or combining solutions. Ensure your hands are clean when handling solutions. Most solutions come packaged as sterile - avoid contaminating when opening or useing the solution.

Safety Tips for Cleaning Solutions

• Wash and rinse your hands before handling contact lenses.
  
  
• Never use saliva to clean contact lenses.
  
  
• Never use contaminated or non sterile saline. Do not use homemade saline, distilled water or tap water to clean your lenses.
  
  
• Lens solutions can become contaminated. Do not let the bottle tip touch any surface.
  
  
• Know your solutions. Not all solutions can be mixed. Some solutions can only be used with specific types of contact lenses. Read and follow the manufacturers instructions or consult your eye care specialist if you have any concerns.

Replacing Contact Lenses

Different types of contact lenses need to be replaced at different intervals.

Rigid lenses are typically replaced every one to two years. Often the replacement is necessary because the wearer's prescription has changed.

Soft lenses generally need to be replaced after about one year if they are worn regularly.

Disposable lenses are designed to be replaced at shorter intervals, typically every two to four weeks. This ensures that the lenses are always clean, as they are replaced before any deposits can build up on them.

Daily contact lenses are only worn once. At the end of the day, they are disposed of. Daily disposable lenses generally come in blister packs with solution. They do not require any cleaning, disinfecting or maintenance, making them hassle free to wear.

The frequent replacement of lenses (disposable lenses) has allowed the use of lens materials which are not suitable for long term use. These materials provide good vision and ocular function, but tend to wear out more quickly.

Visit an optometrist or eyecare professional for an eye examination at least once every 12 months or else otherwise directed by your eyecare professional. Replace contact lenses as directed by your optometrist, eyecare professional or the manufacturer of the contact lenses. Never swap contact lenses with another person and do not use contact lenses if the packaging has been opened or damaged.