Taking care of your contact lenses is crucial to maintaining your eye health. But with so many contact lens solutions available, knowing which one is right for you can be confusing. Contact lens solutions are a complex blend of various ingredients that work together to clean, disinfect and hydrate your lenses. In this blog post, we go over the various types of contact lens solutions so you can find the best one for your specific needs.
Types of Contact Lens Solutions
Selecting the right contact lens solution is a significant step toward proper eye care. Generally, there are three types to consider.
-
Multipurpose Solution: These solutions serve multiple functions: cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing contact lenses. Multipurpose solutions eliminate the need for separate products for each step of the lens care process. They are effective for most contact lens users.
-
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution: These solutions are a great choice if you have allergies to preservatives in multipurpose solutions. They deep clean, disinfect and remove protein from your lenses. However, they require a neutralization step to avoid stinging your eyes.
-
Saline Solution: These solutions are ideal for rinsing off your lenses and storing them in a case. Saline solutions do not clean or disinfect your lenses and require pairing with other solutions for a comprehensive cleaning routine.
Choosing the Right Contact Lens Solutions
Selecting the right contact lens solution, like choosing a pair of eyeglasses, requires careful consideration. Different types of lenses may require different solutions. Consider your lifestyle and habits. For instance, a solution with added moisturizing agents could be beneficial if you’re prone to eye dryness.
How to Use Contact Lens Solutions
Using contact lens solutions is relatively straightforward. Start by thoroughly washing and drying your hands to avoid contaminating your lenses. Pour a generous amount of the solution into the palm of your hand and gently rub the lens with your index finger to clean it. Rinse the lens with more solution to remove debris. Then, place the contact lens in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution for disinfection.
Always remember to replace your lens case at least every three months to prevent bacterial buildup and to use a fresh solution each time you store your lenses. Do not mix different solutions unless advised by your eye care professional. Mixing various solutions can lead to irritation or damage to the lenses.
Your Eyes Deserve the Best Care!
Understanding contact lens solutions is vital for maintaining the longevity of your contact lenses and ensuring clear and healthy vision. When in doubt, seek professional advice from your eye doctor. The team at Spectrum Eye Care is always here to help you with all your eye health questions. Call us at (704) 817-4600 or visit our contact page to schedule an appointment today!