Daily Care Tips for Soft Extended Wear Contact Lenses - Ophthalmology

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When it comes to the care and maintenance of soft extended wear contact lenses, there are several important practices to follow to ensure both the health of your eyes and the longevity of your lenses. Here are some daily care tips and answers to your specific questions regarding the cleaning and maintenance of these lenses.

1. Daily Replacement of Cleaning Solution: It is crucial to replace the cleaning solution daily, even if you do not wear your lenses every day. Contact lens solutions are designed to disinfect and clean the lenses, removing debris, proteins, and bacteria that can accumulate over time. If you leave your lenses in the same solution for an extended period, the solution can become contaminated, which increases the risk of eye infections. Therefore, it is recommended to discard the old solution and replace it with fresh solution every day, regardless of whether you wear the lenses or not.

2. Soaking Lenses for Several Days: While it may seem convenient to soak your lenses for a few days and then rinse them with saline before use, this practice is not advisable. Extended wear lenses are designed to be worn continuously for a certain period, but they still require proper cleaning and disinfection. If you plan to store your lenses for a few days, they should be placed in fresh cleaning solution each day. Rinsing with saline is not sufficient for disinfecting the lenses, as saline does not have the necessary properties to kill bacteria and other pathogens.

3. Frequency of Protein Removal: The frequency of protein removal from your contact lenses depends on several factors, including how often you wear them and your individual tear composition. For most users, it is recommended to use a protein remover or enzyme cleaner at least once a week if you wear your lenses regularly. If you wear them less frequently, you might consider doing this every time you prepare to wear them again. Regular protein removal helps to maintain lens clarity and comfort, as protein deposits can lead to irritation and reduced vision quality.

In addition to these specific points, here are some general tips for the care of soft extended wear contact lenses:
- Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring any debris to the lenses.

- Lens Case Maintenance: Clean your lens case regularly and replace it every three months. Bacteria can grow in lens cases, which can lead to eye infections.

- Avoid Water Exposure: Do not expose your contact lenses to water, including swimming pools, hot tubs, or even tap water. Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses.

- Follow Your Eye Care Professional's Instructions: Always adhere to the guidance provided by your eye care professional regarding the wear schedule and care regimen for your specific type of lenses.

- Regular Eye Check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your eye care provider to monitor your eye health and ensure that your lenses are fitting properly.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your soft extended wear contact lenses remain safe and comfortable for your eyes. If you have any further questions or concerns about your lenses or eye health, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care professional for personalized advice.