Contact lenses are, in most cases, a far better solution once the aphake is convinced that the “newfangled” device is worth trying. Advantages are the normal appearance of the eye and crisp visual acuity. Since only 6 percent magnification of objects occurs, the images appear to be of normal size, fusion can take place, and excellent peripheral vision and depth perception will result. Therefore life can go back to normal, the cosmetic effect is far better, and most observers can’t tell that there’s ever been a cataract extraction. Read the rest of this entry »
Cleaning with a surfactant cleansing solution and disinfecting may not remove all the deposits that cling stubbornly to the lens surface. To remove these deposits a special enzyme solution is used; this “digests” and dissolves lens proteins much the same way the enzymes in your body help break down protein.
You should use the enzyme cleaner once a week to help prevent buildup of protein deposits. (To help you remember, perform this procedure on the same day every week—the first or the last day, or every Wednesday, etc.) Once deposits are established, they will increase and can pit the lens surface, leaving it damaged even after it’s purged of the accumulations. Enzyming is especially important for those who tend to produce tears heavily laden with protein. Factors such as air pollution, makeup, and eye irritation increase production of this protein. Read the rest of this entry »
Hygiene is of the utmost importance when handling and maintaining contact lenses, especially soft contacts. Both cleaning and disinfecting must be done every time you remove your lenses. Cleaning removes surface deposits and is performed with a surfactant cleaning solution. Disinfection kills microorganisms and is accomplished either with heat and a saline solution or with a chemical (cold) disinfecting solution. A third process utilizes enzymes to remove stubborn protein deposits and is usually needed once a week. Saline solution is used to remove the other solutions from the lenses. Finally, although soft lenses are quite comfortable, some wearers may occasionally find a lubricating solution or drops helpful. (The use of these individual solutions is explained below.) Read the rest of this entry »
Chemical (Cold) Disinfection. There are several disinfection solutions on the market. Disinfection solutions contain chemicals such as thimerosal and chlorhexidine in sufficient concentration to kill the most common microorganisms. Since the lenses remain in the solution for long periods of time, they are kept wet and free of deposits.
The cold disinfection process is simple, and only slightly more inconvenient than storing hard contact lenses. After cleaning and rinsing the contact lenses with saline, they are placed in a special storage/ disinfection case, covered with the disinfection solution and left for at least four hours, usually overnight. Make certain that the storage case is rinsed daily with hot tap water and that it is free of any impurities before use. Read the rest of this entry »
Handling such small, delicate objects takes some practice. In time, as you develop your own technique, you’ll be able to relax and insert, center, remove, and clean your lenses on autopilot.
Always wash and dry your hands before handling the lenses. Prepare your work area, be it sink or tabletop. Establish your routine and then stick to it to avoid mixing up the lenses. It’s advised that you always start with the right lens. I place a tiny dot on the rim of the right lens of my patients to allow them to distinguish it from the left lens and to banish the right-or-left problem forever. Whenever you rinse your lenses with water, be certain the water is cool. Never use hot water. Read the rest of this entry »
Though many factors should be considered during the discussion between you and your contact lens specialist, generally, hard lenses will be the lens of choice if you:
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Contact Lenses Care .
