Contact lens solution

Wearing contact lenses is accompanied by bacterial, protein, lipid contamination. They fall on the lens along with the surrounding air, dust, sweat, secretions of the lacrimal and meibomian glands . Since the material of contact lenses is hydrophilic and porous, these contaminants can firmly penetrate the lens, reduce its transparency and make wearing such a lens unsafe for eye health. Manufacturers of contact lenses are well aware of this feature and are trying to produce lenses that are most resistant to such contaminants. To do this, resort to polishing, grinding, various coatings, moisturizing the surface of the lens, make components that do not allow dirt to settle on the surface and penetrate the lens. Also, it is necessary to strictly observe the mode of wearing and the period of replacement of contact lenses. It is regulated by manufacturers specifically to protect the eyes from complications. All contact lenses (soft and hard) should be processed and stored in strict accordance with the recommendations of an ophthalmologist. Universal solutions for lenses are needed in order to remove dirt, clean and moisturize the lens - to make it safe to wear.

Bacterial contamination

Most often, we are talking about the so-called "conditionally pathogenic" microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus and chlamydial infection. With reduced resistance of the tear fluid (few "antimicrobial" proteins - lysozyme and lactoferrin ), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye can develop - redness, itching, burning, discharge. To prevent this from happening, contact lenses are disinfected with chemicals - antiseptic disinfectants. To achieve the effect, you need to disinfect from 40 minutes to 2 hours.

Protein and lipid contamination

There are a lot of proteins and lipids in the tear fluid. They are needed to protect the surface of the eye, to provide tear properties and prevent tears from drying out. But, what is good for a tear is bad for a contact lens. Protein and lipid contaminants are an excellent medium for the reproduction of microorganisms. They need to be deleted. This is done by surface-active substances (surfactants), which reduce the degree of adhesion of contaminants to the lens. To achieve the effect, the lenses must be kept in solution for 2 to 6 hours and MANDATORY machined (rub with a finger).

Moisturizing the lens

These are additional features for improving lens wearing comfort. It occurs due to the coating of the lens with special moisturizers (for example hyaluronan ), which collect water and hold it for some time.

There are several types of universal solutions for contact lens care. Currently, many are multifunctional , which combine cleaning, disinfection, moisturizing and rinsing of lenses in one procedure. When choosing care products, it is recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist and use only the products recommended by your doctor.

Universal lens solutions cannot be dripped into the eyes!

Modern one-day contact lenses do not require the use of solutions, as they are worn once and disposed of after use.

When using a universal solution for lenses and wearing contact lenses, in case of burning sensation, redness of the eyes, lacrimation or other unpleasant symptoms - it is necessary to stop using the solution and lenses and consult a doctor to find out the reasons. Peroxide solutions require strict adherence to the instructions for use.

• Follow the directions for use.
• Do not touch the neck of an open solution vial, otherwise you risk placing dirt in the solution.
• Close the vial immediately after use.
• Remember to check the expiration date of the solution and never use the solution with the expired shelf life of the open vial (usually not more than 3 months from the date of opening).

It is best to clean and process the lenses immediately after removal, after washing your hands and wiping them dry with a towel that does not leave fibers.

Containers for storing lenses also need to be treated with the same solution and often changed, at least once a month.

It is strictly forbidden to use tap water, water from other open sources, pools for lens treatment, since it significantly increases the risk of developing amoebic bacterial keratitis .

• "The potential pathogenicity of chlorhexidine-sensitive Acanthamoeba strains isolated from contact lens cases from asymptomatic individuals in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain" (Journal of Medical Microbiology)