Permeable gas contact lenses, also known as GP lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses and oxygen permeable lenses hit the market in the late 1970s. Unlike hard contacts that do not allow the eyes to breathe, permeable gas contact lenses allow oxygen to flow through the lens and into the eye, according to All About Vision. These silicone-based lenses require special cleaning techniques to ensure the lenses remain sterile and free of any bacteria, which can transfer to your eyes and cause an infection.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling your permeable gas contact lenses. Pat your hands dry with a clean towel after washing.
Step 2
Remove a contact from one of your eyes by pressing your index finger against the contact. Slide the contact onto the white of your eye. Lift the contact off your eye using your thumb and index finger.
Step 3
Lay the contact in the palm of your hand. Squeeze two or three drops of sterile contact lens cleaner onto the permeable gas contact lens.
Step 4
Massage the lens cleaner into the contact using your finger. Apply a few squirts of saline solution to the lens while it is still in your palm, to rinse.
Step 5
Fill a clean lens case with contact lens soaking solution. Place the permeable gas contact lens in a soaking solution. Remove the contact from your other eye and repeat the cleaning process. Soak both contacts overnight in the soaking solution.
Step 6
Soak your contact lenses in an enzyme soak once a week to kill bacteria. Fill both vials of a contact lens holder with saline solution. Dissolve one enzyme tablet in each vial. Soak the permeable gas lenses in the enzyme solution for four hours. The contact lenses are ready for wear after the enzyme soak.
Tips and Warnings
- Having more than one contact lens case on hand will ensure you always have a case ready for cleaning.
- Never clean off your permeable gas contact lenses with tap, distilled or bottled water. Water may contain minerals that can damage the lens. Some of these minerals can also transfer to your eyes, causing irritation or infection.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Clean towel
- Sterile contact lens cleaner
- Saline solution
- Contact lens case
- Soaking solution
- Enzyme tablets
