Protein build-up on contact lenses and how to prevent it
Contact lens wearers who use weekly or monthly contacts might know all too well the struggles that come with protein build-up.
It can cause discomfort and blurry vision, and while the only way to eliminate it completely is to use daily disposable contact lenses, you can learn to control it and we share how in this article.
Properly clean your contact lenses
Whether or not your soft contact lenses say they contain a no-rub formula, rubbing the lenses is an important step to prevent or remove the build up of protein on your contacts.
Here’s how you should do it:
- Place the contact lens (curved side down) on your palm, add lens cleaning solution to it.
- Rub the contact lens gently for about 5 – 10 seconds using your fingertip.
- Then do the same thing on the other side of the lens.
- Transfer the lens to a contact lens case filled with fresh saline solution.
- Bonus tip: Remember to wash your hands before handling your lenses, and never remove your makeup while still wearing them!
Try a Hydrogen Solution
Hydrogen based contact lens soltions provide a more thorough cleansing. If you are finding your lenses are still dirty after cleaning, it might be time to try switching!
Hydrogen solutions come with a platinum-coated lens case, specially designed to help break down the hydrogen molecules. Don’t worry, it doesn’t burn your eyes when you put them in!
Make use of Eye Drops!
Eye drops not only help to remove dirt and dust from your eyes, they also help with protein build up (and they keep your eyes and contacts comfortable and well lubricated!)
Its best to consult your eye doctor to find the right drops for you, as this can vary depending on your eyes and your contact lens type.
Switch to Contact Lenses with a deposit resistant surface
Its true that not all contact lenses are created equally, so if you’re finding your daily or even weekly/monthly contact lenses are still suffering from frequent protein build up, you may wish to consider switching to contact lenses that are built to be resistant to deposit build up.
We recommend Air Optix Night & Day Aqua. A monthly contact lens that is not only resistant to protein build up, but it contains high oxygen transmissibility for comfortable wear throughout the month.