$Unique_ID{BRK01930} $Pretitle{} $Title{Are My Contact Lenses Clean Enough?} $Subject{Contact lens Lenses Clean soft mucous secretion secretions irritate irritation irritations cornea corneal tissue tissues germ germs infection infections enzymatic disinfect disinfecting painful soap eye eyes cleaning} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Are My Contact Lenses Clean Enough? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: I wear soft contact lenses, and although I can keep them in for several days without problems, I remove them each night. I am using a daily cleaner, and then rinsing and storing them in sterile saline. Is this enough to keep me out of the situations that I saw mentioned in the paper just last week? I would appreciate your advice on this matter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: You have at least made a good start, but you are not doing enough to keep you out of the trouble you fear. To properly clean your lenses you must get rid of the sticky build up of mucous secretions that can irritate your sensitive corneal tissues, as well as eradicate all the germs that can cause infections. Cleaning with a daily cleaner is fine, but won't do the whole job. You must also use an enzymatic cleaner, which can dissolve those secretions, at least once a week in addition to daily cleaning. Removing the bacteria from the lenses requires "disinfecting" them using one of three systems, heat, cold disinfection (chemical), or peroxide. Follow the procedures to the letter, and always be sure that you have scrubbed your hands thoroughly before each time you touch your lenses. Use a simple soap that does not contain waxes, cold cream or cocoa butter as they can leave hard to remove residues on your lenses. One last warning. If your eyes become red, irritated, sensitive to light or painful, remove your lenses at once and see your doctor. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.