Cleaning & Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting your lenses is an important procedure that must be performed immediately every time lenses are removed. Cleaning is necessary to remove mucus, film and residue on the lens surface, while disinfecting is used to prevent harmful germs from causing eye infections.

There are many different brands of lens care products available for RGP's. At The Eye Center we can determine which is best for you and your lenses. To avoid potential complications, always follow the recommended lens care regimen.

Caring for your Lenses

Step 1 - Cleaning
Place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply several drops of cleaning solution. Then, using you free hand, gently rub your finger in a back and forth motion on the front surface of the lens; repeat on the back surface.

Step 2 - Rinsing
Rinse the lens thoroughly with rinsing solution. Before storing your lenses, he sure the storage case has been rinsed and dried.

Step 3 - Disinfecting
Place your lenses tn the storage case and fill the case with disinfecting solution. Place the lids on securely.

Use Solutions as Instructed

With the array of lens care solutions now available, it helps to know the purpose of each. Some solutions are designed to perform more than one of these functions:

Cleaning Solution removes dirt, mucus, and debris that accumulate on the lenses during wear.

Rinsing Solution removes other solutions and debris from the lenses. It is also used to prepare the lenses for wearing.

Disinfecting Solution kills bacteria on the lenses and helps prevent serious eye infections.

Rewetting Solution lubricates the lenses while you're wearing them. This can enhance the comfort of your lenses throughout the day.

Use only fresh, sterile solutions for cleaning, rinsing and disinfecting. If your solution has expired, throw it away. Solutions may become contaminated after opening; do not touch open bottle tips to any surfaces. Some solutions should never be used in combination with each other, so use only those recommended by your eyecare professional. Finally don't switch solution brands without your eyecare professional's approval.

About Extended Wear

If you are on an extended wear schedule, follow the product instructions for minimum disinfecting time. The cleaning routine may include the use of a weekly enzymatic cleaner to remove protein deposits on the surface of the lenses. Instructions will be given separately if this applies to your lens care program.

Maintaining Comfort

To maintain comfort, occasional use of rewetting drops may be used to help soothe the eyes if they ever feel dry or filmy. Extended wearers may also find them helpful prior to bedtime and upon awakening.

For First Time Wearers

If this is your first experience with RGP lenses, you may be started on a limited wearing schedule so your eyes can adjust to the new lenses. While they may be comfortable enough, it is important for the health of your eyes to follow the wearing schedule prescribed. As with wearers of all types of contact lenses, routine follow-up care is also very important for wearers of RGP's. Please call The Eye Center immediately if any discomfort or problems develop, such as:

• Sudden blurred vision
• Persistent discomfort
• Unusual redness
• Excessive tearing
• Light sensitivity

If you have any questions please call Toll Free 1 (877) 442-EYES or locally (619) 442-3937 (that's 442-EYES).

Give Yourself a Daily Eye Checkup

At least once a day conduct a simple self eye exam. Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Do the lenses feel comfortable on my eyes?
2. Do my eyes look clear and healthy?
3. Can I see well at all distances?

If you think there's a problem, remove your lenses immediately and call The Eye Center.

Learn more about: Contact Lenses | Contact Lens Types

Other useful links: Ophthalmology Glossary

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