People who wear lenses know that they get dirty very quickly. This happens because on the surface of the eyes there is the development of a huge number of bacteria and infections. But dirt can get on the lens not only from the eye, but also from the environment. Therefore, you must know how to care for soft contact lenses.
Storage
Not everyone knows how to provide such a delicate product with proper care. Soft contact lenses need proper care, otherwise their original properties and characteristics may be impaired. One of the most common methods for preserving their parameters is the use of solutions that are designed specifically for this. But they also need to be selected correctly. They contain substances that are compatible with the ophthalmic environment. Be sure to add preservatives to the solutions, otherwise they may deteriorate. In addition, with a high concentration of preservatives, microorganisms on the lens die faster. But it must be borne in mind that their excessive use can be harmful to the cornea.
Disinfection systems
If you are interested in how to care for contact lenses, then both special solutions and disinfection systems are used for this. They are divided into three groups: thermal, peroxide and chemical.
Thermal disinfection is characterized by its simplicity and effectiveness. With its help, you can quickly destroy bacteria and infections, if you follow the instructions. But it must be borne in mind that after such a procedure, the lens can discolor, change its characteristics, and quickly deteriorate. Therefore, this process is applicable only to lenses that contain a low percentage of water.
In the case of peroxide disinfection, a peroxide solution (3%) is used during operation. This procedure does not last long, so not all microorganisms can die. However, peroxide disinfection is also very popular because it is very simple and convenient. However, it is not applicable to all lenses. In particular, it is not recommended to clean colored MKL in peroxide solutions.
In chemical disinfection, substances are used that are used during the preservation of solutions. But in this case, their concentration is slightly higher. Disinfection will be more effective if solutions with a high concentration of substances are used. However, if these particles get into the eyes, then irritation may occur. Lenses must be immersed in the solution for a certain time (preferably at night). If you do not stand them all this time in solution, then some microorganisms may remain on their surface.
Why do we need special solutions?
Usually people who don’t know how to care for soft contact lenses wonder why disinfectants are needed. In fact, if you leave the lens in the air, it will dry quickly, become brittle and tough. Therefore, at the slightest touch, it will be broken. Elastic and imperceptible to the eye makes it water that is contained inside.
Why can not I use plain water?
Quite often, someone who is interested in the care of soft contact lenses needs to think that they could leave the lenses in the tap water. But it's not right. After all, even in countries with the purest water they do not. Natural water contains microorganisms that, if ingested, can lead to inflammation of the cornea and the appearance of small sores on its surface. Water and tears have a different composition, so pain may appear in the eyes. It is not worth joking with this, since you can even remain completely without vision.
Saline solutions
Many believe that the use of saline solutions for storing lenses is a relic of the past. But some still do not forget this method. A 0.9% salt solution is taken, in which the lenses are boiled 2-3 times a week. However, this method has some disadvantages. After all, the lens accumulates contaminants that need to be removed daily, and if the solution boils only a couple of times a week, then microorganisms and bacteria are not completely removed. Remove dirt every day so that wearing lenses is safe.
The choice of solutions
If you do not know what care for soft contact lenses consists of and you buy them for the first time, then it will be difficult to choose them. At the same time, one should at least be guided by formal signs (sellers have certificates, ISO for Europe, etc.). If you wear contact lenses, you need to consult your doctor what disinfectants to choose. After all, some substances can cause discomfort in the eye, so this tool should be replaced by another. When using colored lenses, in no case should you buy solutions that include peroxide. Their use will lead to discoloration of the lenses. At the same time, such solutions are excellent for silicone hydrogel lenses. In addition, when processing MKL, it is not recommended to use solutions designed for hard lenses, as this can lead to their deformation.
Cleaning products
Not knowing how to care for soft contact lenses, it is better to consult a specialist. The medic will help you choose the most suitable tool for the lenses and your eyes. Cleansing preparations are divided into several groups:
- Surfactants. With their help, fats, proteins and calcium salts are removed from the lens surface (MKL). These drugs are considered completely safe for the human eye. When rinsing a special solution, they are washed off without much difficulty. For substances to act effectively, they must be placed in special conditions, which usually corresponds to the chemical composition in solutions;
- Enzyme cleaners, eliminating deposits from the surface of the lens, which subsequently break up into small particles;
- Oxidizing drugs, which are now practically not used due to the fact that they can harm MKL and the eye.
Multifunctional Solutions
In addition, there are solutions that allow you to combine several stages to care for MKL. At the same time, they are used for cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting and storing MKL. They include components that have different effects on lenses. In this case, each person can choose a solution for himself in accordance with their personal needs and the recommendations of a doctor. To use such solutions, you must follow the instructions.
In addition, at least once a week, lenses must be treated with enzymatic cleaners. Also, if you are interested in how to care for soft contact lenses, it must be borne in mind that dirt appears during the wearing of MKL. This leads to deformation of some areas on the surface of the lens, which is due to the evaporation of particles. As a result, a slight change in its size occurs. Therefore, to maintain the size of the lens, it is necessary to use special drops, which are of two types. Wetting agents are necessary to increase the volume of tears, but they do not last long. Lubricating drops are used to reduce friction between the lens and the cornea. They operate for about an hour.
Useful Tips
There are basic rules for caring for soft contact lenses. They are as follows:
- Each lens removal must be accompanied by cleaning, rinsing and disinfection.
- Do not take lenses in your mouth and use saliva to clean them. This can lead to eye irritation, as there are unfavorable enzymes in the saliva.
- MKL must be stored in special cases in which a clean solution is poured in advance.
- The same solution cannot be used several times, since the lens can accumulate harmful microorganisms from the environment.
- Only one lens should be taken in hand, since it is not recommended to confuse the lenses in places.
- The rules for caring for soft contact lenses require the use of the same care systems. It is recommended that you use only the one recommended by your ophthalmologist.
- MKL should be replaced periodically, in accordance with the schedule drawn up by the attending physician.
- Do not wear lenses after doing makeup. In addition, it is better to switch to cosmetics made on a water basis.
- Do not spray other liquids onto their surface.
- The solution should not be used more than 6 months after opening the bottle.
- It is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of an ophthalmologist.
- A sufficient amount of solution must be poured into the liquid container. It should be tightly closed while soaking the lenses in it. It should be washed daily, and replaced approximately every 3 months. If cracks, scratches were found on its surface, then it is better to throw it away. Otherwise, disinfection may be ineffective.
Reviews
Many replace glasses with soft contact lenses. Care and reviews about the means to store them are of interest to many. People note that they are much more convenient than hard lenses, since they are practically not felt in the eye. If you also use special drops, the friction force between the MCL and the cornea decreases, so you can even forget for a while that there is a lens in the eye. However, caring for them is a little more difficult, as they are more tender. You need to remove them every day, you can not leave them in the open air, otherwise they will quickly go bad. But if you follow all the rules for caring for them, then they will serve the time intended for them, without causing irritation and discomfort.