Contact Lens Care Systems and Solutions

Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses for many people who need vision correction. However, proper care and maintenance of contact lenses is essential to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Contact lens care systems and solutions play a critical role in maintaining the health and integrity of your lenses. This article will discuss different types of contact lens care systems and solutions, and how to properly store and transport them using a travel contact lens case.

Multipurpose Solutions

Multipurpose solutions are the most commonly used type of contact lens solution. They are designed to clean, disinfect, and store contact lenses all in one bottle. Multipurpose solutions are easy to use and convenient for daily use, making them a popular choice for many contact lens wearers.

To use a multipurpose solution, rinse your lenses with the solution and rub them gently with your fingers to remove any debris or buildup. Then, place your lenses in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution, and let them soak for the recommended amount of time before wearing them again.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide solutions are an alternative to multipurpose solutions. They are designed to disinfect and clean contact lenses using hydrogen peroxide, a powerful disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide solutions require a specific cleaning and soaking process to ensure that all of the peroxide is neutralized before the lenses are inserted into the eye. Never put hydrogen peroxide directly into your eyes or on your contact lenses.

If you use a solution with hydrogen peroxide, you must follow the disinfecting process with a neutralizer. A neutralizer is always sold as part of your hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution kit. It turns the peroxide into water and oxygen, making it safe to put lenses into your eyes.

Neutralization can be either a one-step or two-step process. The one-step process neutralizes your lenses during the disinfecting stage, while the two-step process neutralizes your lenses afterward.

Some storage cases have a built-in neutralizer, making it a one-step process. With others, you must add a neutralizing tablet that comes with the hydrogen peroxide solution. This is the two-step process.

Saline Solutions

Saline solutions are a simple and gentle option for rinsing contact lenses. They do not have any disinfecting properties and should not be used as a substitute for disinfecting solutions. Saline solutions are primarily used for rinsing contact lenses before inserting them into the eye or moistening lenses that have become dry.

Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are used to remove protein buildup on contact lenses. They are typically used in combination with multipurpose solutions or hydrogen peroxide solutions to ensure that protein deposits are completely removed from the lenses.

To use an enzymatic cleaner, place a few drops of the solution on your lenses and gently rub them with your fingers. Let the solution sit on the lenses for the recommended amount of time before rinsing them with saline solution and storing them in a clean case filled with fresh solution.

Travel Contact Lens Cases for Proper Storage and Transport

Proper storage and transport of contact lens care products are essential for maintaining their effectiveness and safety. A travel contact lens case is a convenient way to store and transport your contact lens care products while on the go, whether traveling or simply out for the day.

A travel contact lens case is designed to hold your contact lenses and a travel-sized contact solution bottle. Some travel contact lens cases, such as Oplee™ Travel Contact Lens Case, even include a built-in mirror and storage for your eyeglass case. 

It's important to note that you should never transfer contact solution from a large bottle to a smaller one. Doing so is not safe and could lead to an eye infection. So use a travel contact lens case that works with standard travel-sized (2 fl oz) contact solution bottles produced by most contact solution manufacturers. 

If you are traveling by airplane, most countries restrict the amount of contact solution that can be in your carry-on. For example, in the United States, the TSA allows less than or equal to 3.4oz/100 ml in your carry-on. 

Conclusion

Proper care and maintenance of contact lenses is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Different types of contact lens care systems and solutions are available, each with its own specific use and benefits. Using the right solution and following the recommended cleaning and storing processes is important to prevent eye infections or other complications. Additionally, a travel contact lens case is a convenient and safe way to store and transport contact lens care products while on the go. By following these tips, contact lens wearers can ensure the longevity of their lenses and maintain good eye health.