What You Need to Know About Contact Lens Solutions

Choosing the right contact lens solution can feel overwhelming with the vast array of options available today. Each serves a specific purpose, whether for cleaning, disinfecting or storing your lenses. Understanding the distinctions among these solutions is essential for ensuring your contacts remain effective and maintaining your eyes’ overall health and comfort.

Your local eye specialist shares key things you need to know about contact lens solutions.

The Role of Contact Lens Solutions in Eye Care

Contact lens solutions are used to clean, disinfect, rinse and store lenses. They eliminate microorganisms that can cause eye infections and deposits on the lenses. Correctly using these solutions is vital to a safe and comfortable contact lens-wearing experience.

Types of Contact Lens Solutions

Multipurpose Solution

Multipurpose solutions are a popular choice for contact lens wearers due to their convenience. You can use them to clean, disinfect, rinse and store your contact lenses. They are suitable for all soft contact lenses, including daily disposables. While they simplify lens care, you shouldn’t use them for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.

Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Solution

Your specialist might recommend a hydrogen peroxide-based solution during your contact eye exam if you have sensitive eyes. This type of solution provides strong disinfection but requires careful use to avoid irritation. You must neutralize it before putting the lenses back in your eyes. Hydrogen peroxide-based solutions typically require a longer processing time, often overnight, and come with special cases to turn the peroxide into harmless saline.

Saline Solution

Saline solutions consist of a simple saline mixture. They are gentle options mainly used for rinsing or storing lenses after cleaning. These solutions don’t clean or disinfect lenses. However, they are crucial for rinsing after using a hydrogen peroxide solution, ensuring no disinfectant remains on the lenses.

Rigid Gas Permeable Lens Solution

If you wear RGP lenses, you need a solution for cleaning, wetting and disinfecting. It’s important to follow your eye care provider’s recommendations to keep your lenses in good condition and your eyes healthy.

Quick Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Selecting the solution is just one part of proper contact lens care. Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. Use the solution as directed and replace your lens case often to avoid contamination. Stick to the replacement schedule set by your eye doctor, and never reuse or top off old solutions in your lens case. You must regularly visit your local eye clinic to ensure you have the appropriate eyewear for your needs. It also helps catch early signs of eye problems before they worsen and significantly affect your vision.