Contact lens solution: What is it and how to use it? 4 key points

Contact lenses represent a comfortable and functional alternative for correcting certain vision problems. Compared to ordinary prescription glasses, contact lenses may seem like an alien invention. However, the origin of these tools dates back to 1892.

During that period, F. A. Müller, a renowned manufacturer of glass eyes, developed the first contact lenses. This was in order to protect the ocular surface of a patient after certain operations. Shortly thereafter, the success generated by Müller's invention prompted several individuals within the medical community to experiment with the contact lens idea.

Today, many prefer contact lenses to conventional prescription glasses. Whether for safety, comfort or aesthetic reasons, contact lenses are here to stay.

Do you wear contact lenses or are you considering contact lenses and want to find out more about them? One of the most important and least known aspects of contact lenses is the liquid in which they are kept. At Bassol Optics we tell you all the details about it, and share with you some tips that will help you take care of your contact lenses.

Read on!

What is contact lens fluid?

When we talk about "contact lens fluid" we are referring to a special solution that has been created to clean and disinfect contact lenses. This solution is usually poured into the contact lens case. The purpose is to create a neutral, sterile space in which to preserve our contact lenses when we are not wearing them.

Contact lens fluid is an essential element for the hygiene of our contact lenses. No home remedy has the ability to act as optimally as a disinfectant and antimicrobial.

Why is contact lens fluid important?

Eye health is not a matter to be taken lightly. Eyes are extremely delicate organs, which are also exposed to a wide variety of harmful agents.

One of the characteristics that differentiate contact lenses from ordinary eyeglasses is that contact lenses come into direct contact with the eye. While this has its advantages, it also involves certain risks.

The liquid in contact lenses allows us to prevent any type of infection in our eyes. On the other hand, it ensures that the contact lenses remain well hydrated and do not cause any discomfort or irritation. In other words, this specialized solution is the best ally of our eye health.

Different types of contact lens solutions

At first, we speak of "contact lens fluid" as if there were only one type of fluid. However, the truth is that there are different types of solutions, each with its own particularities.

Here are the most popular choices among contact lens wearers. Here are the types of contact lens fluids:

Hydrogen peroxide solution

In conjunction with the unique solution, hydrogen peroxide solution is one of the components that first comes to mind when talking about contact lens fluid. It is a slightly more aggressive reagent, which ensures even greater disinfection. This solution is mainly used by people with allergies or extreme sensitivity to certain components.

The hydrogen peroxide solution does not contain any preservatives. However, due to the strength of its formula, it should never come into contact with the eyes.

Rigid Contact Lens Products

Rigid gas permeable contact lens wearers may turn to some solutions that are not suitable for soft contact lenses. Rigid contact lenses tend to be stronger and offer sharper vision than other contact lenses. Unfortunately, they can be more time-consuming and costly to maintain.

In this particular case, a distinction is usually made between cleaning fluid and conditioning fluid. The former acts as a disinfectant while the latter is used to preserve the contact lenses overnight. In addition to this, RGPs (rigid gas permeable contact lenses) require a saline solution to rinse the contact lens.

Saline solutions

This type of liquid improves the vision offered by contact lenses. Unlike other contact lens solutions, saline solutions are not a disinfectant. A saline solution is to be used for the sole purpose of rinsing contact lenses. In other words, it is not used to clean contact lenses or to store them overnight.

On the other hand, saline solutions are compatible with all types of contact lenses.

Key points to consider regarding contact lens fluid

Okay, now you have a clearer idea of what contact lens fluid is, how important it is, and what types of contact lens fluids exist. In addition to this, from Optica Bassol we want to share with you some key points that will help you get the most out of these products.

1. What to do if you don't have contact lens fluid?

   As we mentioned above, contact lens fluid is an essential element that helps us to ensure the well-being of our eyes. If you run out of this product, what any expert would recommend is that you go to the nearest pharmacy to obtain it.

   On the other hand, if you use disposable lenses every day of the week, you may not have to worry about cleaning or maintenance. Just don't ever reuse disposable contact lenses.

   In addition, a good strategy to avoid running out of contact lens fluid is to buy it in advance. Generally, the expiration limit of this kind of solution is quite long, so you can have a small reserve. Also, try to carry your contact lens fluid with you wherever you go in case of emergencies.

2. How NOT to proceed?

   Just as it is important to know what to do in these cases, it is equally important to know what not to do. First of all, do not clean or store your contact lenses using water, no matter where it comes from. Even filtered water or mineral water may contain agents that are harmful to the health of your eyes.

   Likewise, do not try to replace contact lens fluid with homemade remedies or products not endorsed by a specialist. Finally, avoid sleeping with contact lenses in or wearing them longer than recommended by the ophthalmologist or manufacturer.

   

3. Is it possible to put contact lens fluid in the eye?

   This is one of the most common questions that arise when wearing contact lenses for the first time. It may seem like a fairly simple question to answer, but there are multiple ways to answer it.

   Most contact lens solutions are designed to be friendly to the eye. However, even these kinds of formulas do not have the properties of an eye drop. With this in mind, we should not use contact lens fluid as if it were artificial tears.

   We also feel it is very important to point out the following: certain solutions for cleaning and maintaining our contact lenses can be harmful when they come into contact with the surface of our eyes. Such is the case with hydrogen peroxide, which must be neutralized before wearing contact lenses.

4. How to clean your contact lenses properly?

   Maintaining the hygiene of your contact lenses will not take more than a couple of minutes a day. Still, there are a few little things to keep in mind when cleaning your contact lenses:

   • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your contact lenses.
   • Avoid letting your fingernails come into contact with the lens, as you could damage or infect it.
   • Disinfect the contact lenses using the appropriate solution and the case provided by the supplier.
   • As for the case, avoid washing it with water. Instead, use the same liquid as the contact lenses.
   • Store the contact lens solution container in a clean, cool place and always keep it covered.
   • Replace the lens case regularly (about once a month).
   • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and your ophthalmologist's recommendations at all times.

   

Looking for the best place to buy your contact lenses, prescription glasses or sunglasses? In Optica Bassol we have a wide catalog of the most important brands of glasses most recognized brands in the market.

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