10
•
Clean
one lens first (always the same lens first to avoid
mix-ups),
rinse
the lens thoroughly with recommended
saline or disinfecting solution to remove the cleaning
solution, mucus, and film from the lens surface. Follow the
instructions provided in the cleaning solution labeling.
Put that lens into the correct chamber of the lens storage
case. Then repeat the procedure for the second lens.
• After cleaning, and rinsing,
disinfect
lenses using the
system recommended by your eye care professional.
Follow the instructions provided in the disinfection
solution labeling.
• To store lenses, disinfect and leave them in the closed/
unopened case until ready to wear. If lenses are not to be
used immediately after disinfection, you should consult
the labeling of the storage solution for information on lens
storage.
• After removing your lenses from the lens case, empty and
rinse the lens storage case with solution(s) recommended
by the lens case manufacturer; then allow the lens case
to air dry. When the case is used again, refill it with
fresh
storage solution. Replace lens case at regular intervals.
• Your eye care professional may recommend a lubricating/
rewetting solution for your use.
Lubricating/Rewetting
solutions can be used to wet (lubricate) your lenses while
you are wearing them to make them more comfortable.
2. CHemiCal (not Heat) disinfeCtion
• Clean the contact lenses with the cleaning solution
recommended by your eye care professional and
thoroughly rinse them with the recommended rinsing
solution.
•
After cleaning,
and rinsing, to disinfect, carefully follow
the instructions accompanying the disinfecting solution
in the care regimen recommended by your eye care
professional.
• When using hydrogen peroxide lens care systems,
lenses
must be neutralized
before wearing. Follow the
recommendations on the hydrogen peroxide system
labeling.
• Thoroughly rinse lenses with a fresh solution
recommended for rinsing before inserting and wearing,
or follow the instructions on the disinfection solution
labeling.
•
Do not heat the disinfection solution and lenses.
• Leave the lenses in the closed storage case until ready to
put on your eyes.
•
Caution:
Lenses that are chemically disinfected may
absorb ingredients from the disinfecting solution which
may be irritating to your eyes. A thorough rinse in fresh
sterile saline solution prior to placement on your eye
should reduce the potential for irritation.
3. lens dePosits and use of
enzYmatiC Cleaning ProCedure
Enzyme cleaning may be recommended by your eye care
professional. Enzyme cleaning removes protein deposits
on the lens. These deposits cannot be removed with regular
cleaners. Removing protein deposits is important for the
well-being of your lenses and eyes. If these deposits are not
removed, they can damage the lenses and cause irritation.
Enzyme cleaning does NOT replace routine cleaning and
disinfecting. For enzyme cleaning, you should carefully follow
the instructions in the enzymatic cleaning labeling.
4. lens Case Cleaning
and maintenanCe
Contact lens cases can be a source of bacteria growth. Lens
cases should be emptied, cleaned, rinsed with solutions
recommended by the lens case manufacturer, and allowed to
air dry each time you remove the contact lenses from it. Lens
cases should be replaced at regular intervals.
5. Care for a stiCking
(nonmoVing) lens
It is important to the health of your eyes that your contact
lenses move freely. If a lens sticks (stops moving), put a few
drops of the lubricating or rewetting solution recommended
by your eye care professional into your eye. Do not use plain
water or anything other than the recommended solutions.
Do not attempt to remove a lens that is sticking, which could
damage your eye. If the lens does not begin to move when
you blink after several applications of the solution or drops,
contact your eye care professional immediately. Do not
attempt to remove the lens except on the advice of your eye
care professional.
6. Care for a dried out
(deHYdrated) lens
If a soft, hydrophilic contact lens is exposed to air while off the
eye, it may become dry and brittle and need to be rehydrated.
If the lens is adhering to a surface, apply the recommended
rinsing solution before handling.
To rehydrate the lens:
•
Handle the lens carefully.
• Place the lens in its storage case and soak the lens in a
recommended rinsing and storing solution for at least 1
hour until it returns to a soft state.
• Clean the lens first, then disinfect the rehydrated lens
using a recommended lens care system.
• If after soaking, the lens does not become soft or if the
surface remains dry, DO NOT USE THE LENS UNTIL
IT HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY YOUR EYE CARE
PROFESSIONAL.
7. emergenCies
If chemicals of any kind (household products, gardening
solutions, laboratory chemicals, etc.) are splashed into your
eyes, you should: FLUSH EYES IMMEDIATELY WITH TAP
WATER AND THEN REMOVE LENSES PROMPTLY.
CONTACT YOUR EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL OR
VISIT A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM WITHOUT
DELAY.
