Contact lens cleaning solutions are essential for contact lens hygiene, but they can cause problems in select individuals. Problems are caused by sensitivities to the cleaning solutions or to improper use of the solutions. Reactions to cleaning solutions can be as minor as dry eye symptoms, or they can be severe causing pain and vision problems.
Allergy
Some people are allergic to certain contact lens solutions. Usually the culprit is a chemical preservative in the solution. The most common symptoms of an allergy to contact lens solutions are redness and itching. Both eyes display allergy symptoms. Switch to contact lens solutions that are labeled as preservative-free when an allergy is suspected.
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes associated with contact lens wear can develop due to an intolerance to preservatives in contact lens solutions. Sometimes, a cleaning solution that was once well tolerated later becomes a problem after regular use. Preservative free contact solutions should be used to relieve dry eye symptoms. Moisturizing eye drops can be used as well to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Infection
Contact lens wearers can develop bacterial or fungal infections in the eyes when they don't use proper hand hygiene or don't correctly disinfect their lenses. Eye infections can be minor or serious. Untreated eye infections can quickly turn serious, leading to blindness if left untreated for a long time. Symptoms of a contact lens-related eye infection include itching, redness, severe pain, blurry vision, swelling of the eyelids and around the eyes, discharge and watery eyes. One or both eyes can be infected. Infections must be treated by a doctor.
One of the most important things every contact lens wearer should do is wash her hands before she touches her eyes or contact lenses. Unwashed hands introduce bacteria to contact lenses and to the eyes.
Contact lens solution should never be reused. The FDA recommends emptying, cleaning and air-drying contact lens cases after each use. New contact lens solution should be put in the case after each use. Reused contact lens solution does not effectively kill fungi and bacteria. The FDA also recommends "the rub-and-rinse method" for cleaning contacts after each use. In the rub-and-rinse method, contact lens solution is rubbed onto the contact lenses for 10 seconds using the index finger, followed by a thorough rinsing in water. The rubbing motion helps to release fungi and bacteria from the lenses.
References
- FDA - Ensuring Safe Use of Contact Lens Solution
- Eye Contact Lens 2003 Jan;29(1):38-43; Preservative-Free Ocular Hydrating Agents in Symptomatic Contact Lens Wearers: Saline Versus PVP Solution; Malet F, Karsenti D, Pouliquen P; Clinique Ophtalmologique, Hôpital Pellegrin CHU, Bordeaux, France; Jan 29, 2003
- Contact Lens Related Problems
