What Is Meant By Contact Lens Solution?

Contact lens solution is a specially prepared liquid that is used for contact lens cleaning, disinfection, and storage. It removes debris, eliminates harmful microorganisms, and keeps lenses hydrated for comfortable wear. Since contact lenses sit directly on your cornea, maintaining hygiene is non-negotiable.

Types of Contact Lens Solution

Selecting the right contact lens solution is crucial for maintaining eye health. There are several types of contact lens solutions, each designed for specific purposes. 

types-of-contact-lens

Multipurpose Solutions

Multi-purpose solutions are the most commonly used type of contact lens solution. They are designed to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store both soft and hard contact lenses. These solutions are convenient for daily use, as they eliminate the need for multiple products. They contain gentle disinfectants like polyquaternium-1 or PHMB that eliminate harmful microorganisms while remaining comfortable for sensitive eyes. 

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide solutions are effective disinfectants that offer a deeper clean than multi-purpose solutions. They are particularly useful for individuals with sensitive eyes or those who experience frequent infections. The hydrogen peroxide breaks down into harmless water and oxygen, leaving no residual chemicals that could irritate your eyes.

Saline Solution

Saline solutions are sterile saltwater solutions used primarily for rinsing and storing contact lenses. While they provide hydration, saline solutions do not have disinfecting properties and should not be used as a primary cleaning solution. It’s often combined with other solutions for a complete eye care routine.

Daily Cleaner Solution

Daily cleaners are specialised solutions made to thoroughly clean contact lenses before disinfecting them; they are especially helpful for monthly and extended wear kinds. To get rid of deposits and debris, you usually wipe the cleaner on your palm and then rinse your lenses with saline or a multipurpose solution.

Enzymatic Protein Cleaner

Available in tablet or liquid form, this solution removes protein build-up from lenses, especially for those using monthly or extended wear contacts. It’s usually used weekly in addition to your regular cleaning routine. 

How to Use Contact Lenses: A Brief Guide

how-to-use-contact-lenses

Using contact lens is easy, but can be a little scary if you

  1. Wash Your Hands: Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a clean towel 

  2. Prepare Your Lens: Remove the lens from its case or packaging. Look for any signs of debris or damage. If you’re using soft lenses, ensure they are properly hydrated.

  3. Insert the Lens: 

  • Hold your lens with your finger.

  • Use your other hand to hold your eyelids open.

  • Gently place the lens on your eye, looking slightly upward.

  • To get the lens to settle into place, blink a few times. 

  • Repeat the same for the other eye. 

  1. Remove the Lenses: When it’s time to remove your lenses, wash your hands again. Look up and gently pinch the lens with your thumb and index finger, then remove it from your eye. Place the lens in its case with a fresh solution.

Cleaning and Storage Tips

cleaning-storage

Proper cleaning and storage of your contact lenses are crucial for maintaining eye health and clear vision. Here are some cleanliness and storage tips for you to keep utmost safety while using contact lenses.

Use the Right Solution: Always use a contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Avoid using water or saliva, as they can introduce harmful bacteria into the lens. 

Daily Cleaning: Clean your lenses daily by placing them in the palm of your hand, applying a few drops of solution, and gently rubbing them with your finger with a plus shape. Rinse thoroughly with fresh solution before storing.

Storage: Even if you don't wear the lenses, you should still change the solution every day. Replace the solution daily from the case, even if you don’t wear the lenses.

Case Hygiene: Clean your lens case regularly with hot water and let it air dry. Replace your case every three months to prevent contamination.

Follow Your Schedule: Adhere to the recommended wearing schedule for your lenses, whether they are daily disposables, weekly, or monthly.

By following these cleaning and storage tips, you can ensure that your lenses remain safe and comfortable to wear.

SpecsMakers: Your Contact Lens Solution

At SpecsMakers, we understand that choosing the right care system for your types of contact lenses is just as important as selecting the lenses themselves. With more than 250+ regions across India offering the most advanced, comfortable, affordable and latest. Our research team is constantly developing new lens and frame designs and innovations. We make sure you never fall behind by exclusively offering you the newest styles in eyewear.

Conclusion

Understanding the types of contact lens and how to properly care for them is essential for maintaining healthy vision. Whether you choose hard lenses for their durability or soft lenses for their comfort, proper usage and cleaning are vital for a positive experience. With proper usage, cleaning, and expert guidance, contact lenses can give you crystal-clear vision and unmatched confidence.

FAQs

1. Are contact lens solutions saline?

 While saline solution is just sterile salt water used for rinsing, contact lens solutions are not simply saline, though they do contain saline as a base component.

2. What are contact lens solutions made of?

Contact lens solutions typically contain a combination of disinfectants like polyquaternium-1, PHMB, or hydrogen peroxide, preservatives, and buffering agents to maintain pH balance, ensuring the solution is safe for the eyes.

3. Which contact lens solution is best?

The Airvue lens solution by Specsmakers is the best, which works for sensitive eyes. 

4. Can Lens Solution be used as eye drops?

No, contact lens solutions are not formulated for use as eye drops. Contact lens solutions contain disinfectants, preservatives, and cleaning agents that can irritate or damage the eye surface when applied directly.

5. How to do the lens solution at home?

It’s not recommended to make contact lens solution at home due to the risk of contamination and improper pH balance. Home-made solutions cannot achieve the precise formulation needed for safe lens disinfection and storage.

Vasanth Kuppuswamy