When you are fitted for contact lenses a particular lens care system is recommended — a group of products to clean, disinfect and make your lenses safe and comfortable for wear. Since different systems use different types of chemicals, it is not advisable to mix or substitute solutions from other systems. Doing so could lead to discolored lenses, eye discomfort or eye injury. In particular, rigid lens solutions should not be used to clean or disinfect soft lenses as the chemicals can damage the soft lens material. Soft Contact Lens Care Systems — Many of my patients want to know if they can use a store brand name solution to use since they are generally less expensive. In certain situations, this maybe o.k. but in most it is not. Some systems combine two or more functions into one product while others keep them separate. The functions required are dependent upon the type of lens regimen and your eyes and will be discussed with you as part of a contact lens training program.
The five different functions performed by soft lens care systems are:
1. Daily Cleaning: to remove debris accumulated and adhering loosely to the lens. This debris, if not removed, can eventually make the lenses uncomfortable, interfere with vision and reduce the ability of the disinfecting solution to kill potentially harmful microorganisms.
2. Disinfecting: to kill growing forms of microorganisms.
3. Rinsing and Storing: most soft lens systems today allow for storage and rinsing in the same solution.
4. Comfort or Lubricating Drops: used to provide refreshment for dry eyes.
5. Protein Removal: removes stubborn protein deposits allowing for a fresh feel of lenses.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens Care Systems — It is important to use only those systems designed specifically for rigid gas permeable lenses. They are formulated with disinfectants and preservatives proven to work best with the material of which your lenses are made. The lens care system recommended will include a group of products designed to work together to clean, rinse, disinfect and remove protein deposits and to re-wet your eyes if they become dry during contact lens wear.
If you wish to change your lens care regimen or to try a new lens care product, it is best to discuss this first, even if only by telephone, to ensure that you select products that are compatible with your eyes and will work.
For more information call 661-259-2168 or visit www.corbenoptometry.com .
