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- $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?
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-
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-
- 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.
-