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| Lens
Care Solutions |
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
Regardless of how they are packaged, most lens care systems
include products that perform six different functions.
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
six different functions performed by soft lens care systems
are:
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- 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. In addition, the cleaning
solutions perform the first step in the disinfection process.
- Disinfecting to
kill growing forms of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi,
and viruses) on the lenses.
- Rinsing
and Storing requires the use of an ophthalmic isotonic
saline solution or may be performed with some types of
disinfectant solution. Most saline solutions are not suitable
for storage of lenses, as they do not contain anything
to kill or prevent the growth of microorganisms.
- Comfort
or Lubricating Drops are used to provide refreshment
for dry eyes, in conditions of low humidity or for added
comfort near the end of the wearing day.
- Protein
Removal removes stubborn protein deposits and, with
daily cleaning and disinfection, helps restore a clean,
fresh contact lens surface. Protein removal is generally
not required for planned replacement lenses, which are
replaced before the deposits can cause difficulties.
- Rigid
Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lens Care Systems
RGP lenses must be cleaned and disinfected for safe
and comfortable wear. 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. 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.
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| 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 well. |
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