Contact lens solutions is a prepared chemical substance used to clean, store, and disinfect contact lenses. This substance removes bacteria, germs, and dirt that may have buildup on the lenses throughout the day. It removes these foreign bodies without damaging the lens. Removing particles from the lenses makes them safer to wear, reducing eye infections when reused.
Contact solution is a commercially prepared chemical solution for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. Different types and brands of contact solutions mostly contain a surfactant or wetting agent, preservatives, disinfectants, cleaners, binding agents, buffers, etc. These elements help remove any particles from the lenses. Most contact lens solutions contain more than 95% water.
Read till the end; let’s talk about contact lens solutions as an essential liquid mixture for maintaining healthy eye contact lenses. This article covers all aspects, from defining what a contact lens solution is to breaking down the various types available, such as multi-purpose, hydrogen peroxide, saline, and rigid gas permeable (RGP) solutions. We’ll further explore how solutions are used for disinfecting, cleaning, and storing lenses, compare them to eye drops, and highlight the importance of proper use and case maintenance. The article will also look into key safety precautions, common ingredients, shelf life, and eco-friendly options. You’ll also find guidance on traveling with solutions and an overview of popular brands.
Types of Contact Solution
There are various types of lens care solutions. They are used for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses. They include hydrogen peroxide, saline solutions, rigid gas permeable solutions, daily cleaners, and multi-purpose solutions. Multipurpose and hydrogen peroxide lens care solutions serve the same purpose but work in different ways. Individuals can be sensitive to solution over time or even allergic to contact lens solution.
Disinfecting
Contact lens fluid can serve as a disinfecting solution. They are used as disinfectants on the lenses. The disinfectant in the solution removes germs, bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that can increase the risk of infection. Boric acid, ascorbic acid, and hydrogen peroxide are the most common ingredients in contact lens solutions with disinfecting effects.
Cleaning
Lens maintenance solution as a cleaning element cleans your lenses to avoid the buildup of protein, lipids, and dirt deposits that can cause irritation to your eyes and eyelids. The cleaning also helps to prevent eye infections due to contaminated contact lenses. It acts as a surfactant additive that enhances the dissolution of any leftover protein, other particles, and tissue on the surface of contact lenses. These buildups can cause various eye infections. The cleaning effect of the contact solution helps you enjoy comfort and maintain clear vision.
Storing
Contact solutions are used as preservatives that keep the lenses fresh, hydrated, and soft during storage. They make the lenses last longer. Using contacts also prevents your lenses from drying out and becoming unusable before their expiration date.
Multipurpose Solution
A multipurpose solution is used for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing contact lenses. They are also known as all-in-one solutions. They are a better option for soft contact lenses. Multipurpose solutions are cost-effective and very easy to use. Wash your hands properly before handling your contact lenses and cleaning them with a multipurpose solution. While some types of multipurpose solutions are known as “no rub” products, eye care professionals recommend rubbing the lenses with it for 10 seconds to remove remaining buildups or debris. Always apply a drop of saline solution to the lenses to rinse before wearing them.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Hydrogen peroxide-based lens solution is time-consuming and requires maximum attention. It is a preservative-free type of solution and a better option for people allergic or sensitive to chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide solutions cost more than multipurpose solutions. They can cause stinging and burning sensations in the eye but are excellent at disinfecting contact lenses. After the contacts are disinfected, you have to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide solution. Neutralizing the solution changes hydrogen peroxide to plain saline.
After disinfecting your contacts, you should neutralize this solution. Neutralizing this solution will change it into plain saline. To clean your contact with hydrogen peroxide solution, you place them in a case filled with the solution and soak for six to eight hours. Disinfection can be a one-step or two-step process, depending on the hydrogen peroxide product. One-step products have a neutralizer built into the case. For two-step products, you must add a neutralizing tablet to the solution after cleaning. Don’t reuse the solution after it has been neutralized; it cannot be used to disinfect. Always dry your lens case well in between uses to prevent microbes growing on them. Forgetting to neutralize your solutions can cause harm to your eye.
Saline solutions
Saline solutions are better for rinsing lenses but not for daily use or storage. They are made up of a sterile mixture of salt and water. Saline solutions are gentle and preservative-free contact lens solutions.
Saline solutions can be used on all types of lenses, including RGP lenses. After applying hydrogen peroxide solution, they provide your lenses with an effective rinse.
They are not used for cleaning or disinfecting lenses because of their disinfectant-free construction. Always use a contact lens solution first; they will protect your eyes from irritation.
Rigid gas-permeable contact lens solution
Rigid gas permeable contact lens solution is a solution used for rigid or gas permeable contact lenses. They are made to clean, disinfect, and care for RGP. They help to remove bacteria or debris that may have accumulated on your lens. Solutions for soft lenses cannot be used for RGP lenses. Rigid gas-permeable lenses are mostly constructed of silicone and do not contain any water.
The key difference between contact solution and eye drops is their purpose and composition. Both have different ingredients and formulas. Contact solutions are made up with disinfecting agents but are not found in regular eye drops. Eye drops contain ingredients to reduce redness, irritation, or even drying in the eyes.
Contact solutions cannot be used directly on the eyes because they can cause harm to the eyes. On the other hand, eye drops are safe for direct application in the eyes, which can be used to address some eye difficulties.
A mixture of contact solution is a mixture of water, saline solution, and different disinfectants used, which disinfect and moisturize the lenses, but eye drops are used to lubricate the eye and/or treat eye issues.
Contact solutions are used to clean, disinfect, and store your lenses, while eye drops are used to treat eye infections.
Importance of Proper Use of Solution
Contact solution is an important component of contact lens care and eye health. Proper use of solution is important because it prevents contact lenses from accumulating protein deposits, which can cause irritations in your eyes or eyelids. The disinfecting agents in contact lens solutions are important to remove and prevent germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can lead to severe eye infection. Because lenses have direct contact with the eye, it makes contact solutions important to use to prevent disinfection. Contact solutions are needed to get maximum hygiene of the lenses.
Contact Lens Case Maintenance
Maintenance of the contact lens case is essential to prevent eye infection. Some important steps to maintain your contact lens case are as follows:
- Wash your hands. This is the first step to ensure proper cleaning. Wash your hands with soap and clean. Antibacterial soap can be a better option to prevent germs lingering on your hands. After washing your hands, dry your hands in case of microorganisms such as acanthamoeba, which can cause eye infection if left on your lens case or contact lenses.
- Keep the case empty before cleaning. Pour out the old solutions from the lens case and some clean, lint-free tissue.
- Rinse the contact lens case with solution. Add fresh multipurpose contact solution. Rub the inside surfaces with a clean fingertip and empty the case. Use only contact lens solution to clean your case.
Tap water, soap, or other cleaning agents that are not medically approved can harm your eyes and contact lenses.
- Dry your lens case. Wipe the case dry with a clean, lint-free tissue, then leave the case upside down on a clean tissue to air dry and place the lids face down.
Rewetting Drops vs. Contact Lens Solution
Wetting Solution keeps your contact lenses moisturized for them to remain soft. They ensure that your contacts are comfortable and moistened. Purchase rewetting eye drops for contact lenses with a ‘for contact lenses’ label. Your eyes are less likely to experience strain when your lenses are moisturized.
Contact solution for lenses is a type of cleaning, disinfectant, and storage solution. It fights against the accumulation of microorganisms, fat or protein layers, and other debris caused by environmental pollution. Contact solution also enhances clearer vision by removing irritants. It rehydrates your eyes by providing moisture. It also prevents dryness of the eyes.
Safety Precaution
Keep contact solution containers closed tightly when they’re not in use. Never transfer contact solution to a different container. Always use fresh solution each time lenses are cleaned or stored. Avoid topping off old solutions to reduce the risk of contamination. Ensure that the tip of the contact solution bottle doesn’t touch anything.
Ingredients in Contact Lens Solution
Contact lens solution ingredients are polyquaternium, which breaks up pathogens and proteins; propylene glycol forms a layer over the mucous membrane to reduce eye inflammation; and boric acid, which has antibiotic properties, which cleans and soothes irritated eyes. Buffer agents maintain the pH balance of the solution, and lubricants such as hyaluronic acid enhance comfort.
Shelf Life of Contacts Solution
The American Optometric Association says most open bottles of solution should be tossed once they hit the 90-day mark. Hydrogen peroxide contact solution that comes with a case for submerging your lenses, then don’t use that case for more than 30 days.
Contact solution usually lasts up to two years after its manufacturing date if the bottle hasn’t been unsealed. The brand you buy also determines the shelf life of the contact solution. Some preservative-free solutions last only 24 hours, or may last one month (or even a little longer) after opening, depending on the brand.
Hydrogen peroxide contact solution has a case to submerge your lenses; don’t use that case for more than 30 days. Get a new one.
Ensure you read instructions that come with any type of contact solution to know its shelf life and how long it’s safe to use. Some containers may display a discard date in addition to the expiration date. Adhere to whichever date is written on the bottle. Consult with your eye doctor if you are not sure of the date description.
Traveling with Contact Lens Solution
Before traveling, know the Check Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements. You must take the right precaution as you take your contact solution in your bag. The TSA limits liquids in carry-on luggage to 3.4 ounces but doesn’t set any limitations for checked luggage. Bigger bottles of contact lens solution will be subjected to additional screening. The best option is traveling with the travel-size solution because you do not have to declare your lens solution at the TSA checkpoint if the bottle weighs 3.4 ounces or less. Contact lens solutions are considered liquids and must be put in a quartz-sized bag.
Environmentally Friendly Options
The most sustainable and environmentally friendly options for sustainable contact solutions are daily disposable solution bottles from brands using minimal recyclable packaging and offsetting their carbon footprint. Biodegradable plant-based contact solution bottles are encouraged. Some brands offer eco-friendly solutions with biodegradable packaging.
Check and use solution bottles with minimal plastic blister packaging and eye care products made by brands using sustainable materials or that make efforts to offset carbon emissions for a more eco-conscious choice.
Popular Brands
Kiama Costmetics
Opti-Free
BioTrue
Clear Clean
Renu
Contact Lens Solution Overview
Contact solution is a prepared chemical to maintain contact lens hygiene and also to promote user comfort.
There are different types and brands of contact solutions, and they mostly contain a surfactant or wetting agent, preservatives, disinfectants, cleaners, binding agents, buffers, etc. These elements help remove any particles from the lenses. Most contact lens solutions contain more than 95% water.
Some preservative-free solutions last only 24 hours or may last one month (or even a little longer) after opening, depending on the brand.
Some popular brands include Kiama Cosmetics, Renu, Clear Clean, etc.
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