Contact Lens Solutions – The Different Types and Their Importance

For millions of people worldwide, contact lenses are a convenient and discreet alternative to traditional eyeglasses. However, maintaining clean lenses is paramount to comfort and eye health. This is where contact lens solutions come into play. Let’s look at the various types of contact lens solutions available and their crucial role in keeping your lenses pristine and your eyes healthy.

 

Types of Contact Lens Solutions

Unless you use daily disposable contacts, you’ll likely also have contact solution—your contacts need solution in order to function properly. There’s a few different kinds, including:

 

Multipurpose Solution - The most common and versatile type, it serves multiple functions, including cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and storing contact lenses. This all-in-one solution simplifies your lens care routine – no other lens care products are necessary.

 

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution - This solution provides a deep cleaning and disinfecting action. It's excellent for removing protein deposits and other stubborn debris. However, it must be neutralised before inserting the lenses into your eyes using a special case and catalytic disc. These solutions do not contain preservatives and are ideal for contact wearers whose eyes may react to the preservatives in other solutions.

 

Saline - A basic, salt and water solution, saline is similar to natural tears and is used primarily for rinsing and storing contact lenses. It doesn't contain any cleaning agents or disinfectants, so it's best used for storing or hydrating lenses, or for rinsing lenses after they have been cleaned and disinfected with another solution.

 

Daily Cleaner - Daily cleaners are used in addition to a multipurpose solution. They help remove deposits and debris that regular cleaning might miss. They are particularly useful for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.

 

The Importance of Contact Lens Solutions

If you don’t maintain proper lens hygiene as directed by your optometrist[MH1] , your eyes can experience irritation or even infection as a consequence. That’s why it’s so important to always have solution on hand. Contact solutions:

 

Clean and Disinfect

Contact lenses accumulate protein deposits, bacteria, and other debris during wear. The cleaning and disinfection properties of contact lens solutions help remove these contaminants, ensuring your lenses remain clear and safe to wear.

 

Hydrate

Properly hydrated lenses are more comfortable to wear. Many solutions contain moisturising agents that help prevent dryness and discomfort.

 

Prevent Infections

Inadequate cleaning or improper storage of lenses can lead to eye infections. Contact lens solutions play a critical role in preventing these infections by keeping lenses free of harmful microorganisms.

 

Ensure Comfort and Clarity

Clear and comfortable lenses enhance your vision quality and overall wearing experience. Regularly using the right contact lens solution can help you achieve this.

 

How to Choose the Right Solution?

Selecting the right contact lens solution is essential for your eye health and comfort, but there’s several factors to consider ensuring you use the best solution for your needs, including:

·       Lens type (soft or RGP)

·       Any allergies or sensitivities

·       Daily or extended wear

·       Your optometrist’s recommendation

 

Always follow your eye care professional's advice and read product labels for specific usage instructions.

 

For contact wearers, the right contact solution is a key component of contact lens care and eye health. Your eyes might become irritated or develop infections if there are contaminants or germs sticking to your lenses—but contact solution helps to keep them clean. There are many different varieties of contact solution available, so consult with your Perth optician about the best options for you.

 

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Whether you need a routine eye exam, professional lens care advice, or innovative eye health and vision correction solutions, we are here to help. Book an appointment online now.