Proper contact lens care is essential for maintaining clear vision, comfortable lenses, and healthy eyes. Contact lenses sit directly on the surface of the eye, which means they can collect proteins, oils, bacteria, and environmental debris throughout the day. Without proper cleaning and disinfection, these deposits can lead to discomfort, reduced vision, or eye infections.
Using the right contact lens care products helps keep lenses clean, safe, and comfortable to wear every day.
Cleaning and Rinsing Solutions
Remove deposits and keep lenses clear
During daily wear, contact lenses accumulate protein deposits, oils, and microscopic debris from tears and the environment. Cleaning solutions help remove these deposits so lenses remain comfortable and provide clear vision.
Cleaning solutions help to:
- Break down protein and lipid build-up on lenses
- Improve comfort and clarity during lens wear
- Reduce irritation and dryness caused by deposits
- Extend the lifespan of your lenses
Many daily cleaning products are designed to gently remove deposits without damaging the lens surface. Some solutions are specifically formulated for rigid gas permeable lenses to maintain their clarity and performance.
Disinfecting Solutions
Protect your eyes from harmful microorganisms
After lenses are cleaned, they must also be disinfected to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
There are two common types of disinfecting systems:
Multipurpose solutions
These solutions clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses in one simple step, making them convenient for daily lens care.
Hydrogen peroxide systems
These solutions use hydrogen peroxide to provide deep disinfection and protein removal. After a neutralisation process, the peroxide converts to sterile water and oxygen, leaving lenses clean and preservative-free.
Peroxide systems are often recommended for people who:
- Have sensitive eyes
- Experience discomfort with preserved solutions
- Build up heavy protein deposits on their lenses
Deep Cleaning Systems
Remove stubborn build-up and restore lens performance
Over time, some lenses can develop stubborn deposits that regular cleaning solutions may not fully remove. Deep cleaning systems, such as Progent and Spray & Clean, are designed to provide an intensive clean for lenses that require extra care.
These products are typically used periodically rather than daily and are especially beneficial for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.
Deep cleaning systems help to:
- Remove heavy protein, calcium, and lipid deposits
- Restore lens clarity and surface quality
- Improve comfort for lenses with persistent build-up
- Extend the usable life of specialty lenses
Because of their strong cleaning action, these products should always be used as directed by your eye care professional. They are ideal for patients who experience frequent deposit build-up or reduced lens performance despite regular cleaning.
Conditioning & Hydration
Improve comfort while wearing lenses
Some lens care solutions also contain wetting or conditioning agents that help keep lenses hydrated. These ingredients form a moisture layer around the lens surface, helping lenses feel smoother and more comfortable throughout the day.
Hydrated lenses can help reduce symptoms such as:
- Dryness during lens wear
- End-of-day discomfort
- Blurred vision caused by lens dehydration
Proper Lens Storage
Prevent contamination and maintain lens hygiene
Contact lenses should always be stored in a clean case filled with fresh solution when they are not being worn. Proper storage helps prevent contamination and keeps lenses disinfected overnight.
To maintain good hygiene:
- Always replace old solution with fresh solution each time
- Avoid topping up existing solution
- Replace your lens case regularly to prevent microbial contamination
- Never rinse or store lenses in tap water, as this can lead to serious infections
Why Proper Contact Lens Care Matters
Following a proper lens care routine helps:
- Maintain clear, comfortable vision
- Reduce the risk of eye infections and inflammation
- Prevent protein and debris build-up on lenses
- Protect the long-term health of your eyes
Shortcuts with cleaning routines or incorrect solutions can lead to ineffective disinfection and increase the risk of complications.
Tip for Healthy Lens Wear
For best results, contact lenses should always be cleaned and disinfected after each use and worn only for the time recommended by your optometrist. Proper care, combined with regular eye examinations, helps ensure safe and comfortable contact lens wear.
If you have any queries regarding any of our products, please contact us on (08) 8231 9341 or email us at support@eyesolutions.com.au.
