Gas Permeable Contact Lens Care

When should I clean gas permeable contact lenses?

Clean your lenses every time you take them out, usually before storing them at bedtime. Carefully cleaning and storing your lenses improves your vision and reduces the risk of eye irritation and other problems such as an eye infection.

How are gas permeable contact lenses cleaned?

1. Wash your hands with plain soap and dry them.
2. Remove one lens and apply the cleaner recommended by your eye care provider. Rub the lens between your fingers or in your palm for about 30 seconds.
3. Rinse the lens with cool tap water to remove loose dirt and deposits.
4. Rinse the lens again with distilled water or sterile saline solution to prevent the buildup of mineral deposits from the tap water.
5. Put the lens in a clean, dry case with a few drops of conditioning or soaking solution. Never store your lenses in tap water or a homemade solution.

   Repeat these steps with the other lens.

Is any other care required?

Your eye care provider may recommend that you use an enzyme cleaner or protein remover every week or two to prevent the buildup of protein deposits on the lenses.

Also, be sure to put some soaking solution in your lens case when you store your lenses. Allowing the lenses to dry out completely can damage them.

How do I take care of my lens case?

Rinse your lens case in tap water and dry it with a lint-free cloth every day.

Reviewed for medical accuracy by faculty at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Web site: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/wilmer/

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