Contact lenses, while offering freedom from glasses, require meticulous care. The persistent issue of film accumulating on contact lenses is primarily due to the natural composition of tears – containing proteins, lipids, calcium, and mucin – which readily adhere to the lens surface. This buildup can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and even increased risk of eye infections.
Understanding the Culprits: Why Film Forms on Contact Lenses
The “film” you notice on your contacts isn’t just dust. It’s a complex mixture of substances originating both within your eye and from the external environment. Let’s break down the primary contributors:
- Proteins: Tears contain proteins like lysozyme and lactoferrin, which are essential for fighting bacteria. However, these proteins can denature (change shape) and accumulate on the lens surface, forming a sticky film.
- Lipids: Oils produced by the meibomian glands in your eyelids help lubricate the eye. These lipids can transfer to the contact lens, creating a greasy layer that attracts other debris.
- Calcium: Calcium is present in tears and can precipitate onto the lens, forming hard, gritty deposits. This is especially common in individuals with dry eye or those who live in areas with hard water.
- Mucin: Mucin is a sticky substance that helps spread tears evenly across the eye surface. It can also bind to the lens and contribute to film formation.
- Environmental Factors: Dust, pollen, cosmetics, lotions, and even hand soap residues can all adhere to the contact lens, adding to the film.
The type of contact lens material also plays a significant role. Silicone hydrogel lenses, while offering excellent oxygen permeability, tend to attract more lipids than hydrogel lenses.
The Consequences of Contact Lens Deposits
Ignoring film buildup on your contacts can have several negative consequences:
- Discomfort: Deposits can irritate the eye, causing a gritty or itchy sensation.
- Blurred Vision: Film can distort the lens’s optical properties, leading to blurred or fluctuating vision.
- Reduced Oxygen Permeability: Deposits can block the flow of oxygen to the cornea, increasing the risk of corneal hypoxia (oxygen deprivation).
- Increased Risk of Infection: Film provides a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms, increasing the risk of eye infections like keratitis.
- Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC): This allergic reaction is often triggered by contact lens deposits and can cause significant discomfort and inflammation of the inner eyelid.
Preventing and Removing Contact Lens Deposits
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent and remove film buildup on your contact lenses. This involves a combination of proper hygiene, appropriate lens care solutions, and regular replacement of your lenses.
Proper Hygiene Practices
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Ensure you rinse off all soap residue.
- Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent lint from getting on the lenses.
- Avoid touching the tip of the lens solution bottle to prevent contamination.
- Never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses. Tap water can contain harmful microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
- Replace your lens case regularly (at least every three months) and clean it daily with contact lens solution, not water.
Choosing the Right Lens Care Solution
- Use a multipurpose solution (MPS) recommended by your eye doctor. MPS solutions clean, disinfect, and rinse contact lenses.
- Consider using a peroxide-based cleaning system if you have persistent deposit problems. Peroxide solutions are more effective at removing protein and lipid deposits. However, they require neutralization before inserting the lenses into your eyes.
- Avoid using homemade saline solutions. They are not sterile and can increase the risk of infection.
Lens Replacement Schedule
- Follow your eye doctor’s recommended lens replacement schedule. Daily disposable lenses eliminate the need for cleaning and disinfection, reducing the risk of deposit buildup.
- Replace your lenses even if they feel comfortable. Deposits can accumulate gradually, even if you don’t notice any immediate discomfort.
Professional Cleaning and Evaluation
- Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your eye health and ensure your lenses are fitting properly.
- Your eye doctor may recommend professional cleaning of your lenses to remove stubborn deposits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What are the different types of contact lens solutions, and which is best for me?
- Multipurpose Solutions (MPS): The most common type, MPS solutions clean, disinfect, rinse, and store lenses. They are convenient but may not be sufficient for all users.
- Peroxide-Based Solutions: More effective at removing protein and lipid deposits. Require neutralization before lens insertion.
- Saline Solutions: Used for rinsing lenses but do not disinfect or clean.
- Daily Cleaners: Used to manually rub and clean lenses before disinfection.
The “best” solution depends on your lens type, tear composition, and lifestyle. Consult your eye doctor for a personalized recommendation.
FAQ 2: Can I use tap water to rinse my contact lenses?
Absolutely not. Tap water contains microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can cause a severe and vision-threatening eye infection. Always use sterile contact lens solution for rinsing.
FAQ 3: How often should I clean my contact lenses?
Clean your contact lenses every time you remove them, even if they are daily disposable lenses you have reused (which you should not do). Rub the lenses gently with solution, then rinse thoroughly before storing.
FAQ 4: What happens if I accidentally sleep in my contact lenses?
Sleeping in contact lenses significantly increases the risk of eye infection. Remove the lenses as soon as possible and monitor your eyes for redness, pain, or blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your eye doctor immediately.
FAQ 5: Can makeup cause film buildup on my contact lenses?
Yes, absolutely. Cosmetics, especially eyeliner and mascara, can transfer to contact lenses and contribute to film buildup. Apply makeup after inserting your lenses, and remove makeup before removing your lenses. Use oil-free, hypoallergenic cosmetics and avoid applying eyeliner to the waterline.
FAQ 6: My eyes are often dry. Does dry eye affect film buildup on my contact lenses?
Yes. Dry eye can exacerbate film buildup because the reduced tear volume means that deposits are less effectively washed away. Consider using lubricating eye drops recommended by your eye doctor and discuss options for managing your dry eye.
FAQ 7: How do I know if I have a contact lens-related infection?
Symptoms of a contact lens-related infection include: redness, pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, excessive tearing, and discharge. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
FAQ 8: Can I share my contact lenses with someone else?
Never share contact lenses. Contact lenses are medical devices fitted to your individual eye. Sharing lenses can spread infections and cause serious eye damage.
FAQ 9: Are silicone hydrogel lenses more prone to film buildup than other types?
Silicone hydrogel lenses, while highly oxygen-permeable, tend to attract more lipids. However, advancements in lens technology and cleaning solutions have mitigated this issue. Discuss lens material options with your eye doctor.
FAQ 10: I use daily disposable lenses. Do I still need to worry about film buildup?
Daily disposable lenses significantly reduce the risk of film buildup because you discard them after each use. However, it’s still crucial to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the lenses.
FAQ 11: What if I wear gas permeable (GP) lenses? Does the cleaning process differ?
Yes, cleaning GP lenses requires a different solution and cleaning routine. Use a GP lens cleaning solution and follow your eye doctor’s instructions carefully. GP lenses are typically more durable than soft lenses but require specialized care.
FAQ 12: If I frequently have film buildup on my contact lenses, should I consider switching to a different type of lens or solution?
Yes, it’s definitely worth discussing with your eye doctor. They may recommend a different lens material, cleaning solution, or even a different wearing schedule (e.g., switching to daily disposables). Persistent film buildup indicates that your current lens care regimen may not be suitable for your individual needs.
By understanding the causes of contact lens film buildup and following proper hygiene and lens care practices, you can enjoy comfortable and clear vision while minimizing the risk of complications. Regular consultation with your eye doctor is key to maintaining optimal eye health.