New Solutions to Contact Cleaning

When it comes to contact lenses there are two cardinal rules. The first is never fall asleep with your contact on and the second is always clean them at night when you take them out. Falling asleep with your contacts on is a sure recipe for an eye infection. Failure to clean your contacts is a guaranteed case of red eyes and possible infection, not to mention it reduces the lifespan of your contacts.

The invention of the no-rub solution has muddled the act of cleaning contact lenses. Now, most contact wearers simply splash on no-rub solution, then dump their lenses into an overnight case. Most optometrists, however, would recommend you rub your lenses, even if you are using no-rub solution. The reason is painfully obvious: rubbing helps break up any proteins or antigens coated on the lenses. It is just one more measure that helps ensure a clean pair of contacts.

Using the right kind of cleaning solution can extend the life of your lenses as swell as make them comfortable to wear. Rub or no-rub aside, what you may want to consider, especially if you have sensitive eyes, is a hydrating solution. Most cleaning solutions claim to have hydrating benefits, but if your eyes are dry within an hour of putting on your contacts, you may well need a super-hydration formula.

The gas-permeable nature of multi-focal contact lenses makes them far more susceptible to air-borne irritants, like smoke, pollution, and even pollen. They need to soak in a solution rich with oxygen-rich cleaners. This will contribute to a fresh, like-new feeling when you put them on in the morning. Some solutions can leave your contacts looking visibly yellowed, especially if you are a smoker.

Although the label on the bottle says no-rub — do it anyway. No-rub solutions are very powerful, to be sure, but they need a literal helping hand — or fingers. Just make sure you use a solution that can also deliver powerful hydrating chemicals to alleviate any dry or irritated eyes. The key to maintaining a pair of contacts for months, even up to a year, is constant, vigilant cleaning.