Disposable contact lenses do not require disinfection because they are worn only once and discarded. However, optical products for scheduled replacement require careful maintenance. In this article we will look at how often you need to rinse them with a solution and change the container to eliminate the risk of bacteria. Not all eye drops have the same purpose. If you use contact correction products, it is important to know the drugs that are safe for your lenses. What types of drops exist and what their purpose is, read on the website Lenzy.ru.
Is it necessary to use drops when wearing contact lenses?
Eye drops are not necessary for people who wear contact lenses, but ophthalmologists recommend using drops daily. Firstly, it provides a more comfortable feeling. Secondly, lenses can affect the quality of the tear film and cause dry eyes.
Most often this happens in the following cases:
- For dry eye syndrome;
- When working at a computer and/or in a room with several computers;
- If you spend a long time in a room with air conditioning or heating on;
- When working in unfavorable conditions - in the wind or in a room with a lot of dust;
- In the presence of certain systemic diseases of the body (for example, diabetes mellitus);
- While taking a number of medications (for example, antiallergic or hormonal drugs);
- When resuming the use of lenses after eye infections;
- During the period of adaptation to lenses - if the patient tries contact correction for the first time or changes the type of lenses, for example, switches from spherical to toric.
In this case, even lenses with a high moisture content do not provide sufficient hydration, so it is recommended to replenish hydration with the help of special drops similar in composition to natural tears.
Drops are needed for additional hydration
The effect of moisturizing eye drops
The drops will not only replenish the fluid balance on the surface of the eye, but also have a positive effect on visual acuity. In addition, they can be used in situations where a speck has gotten into the eye: if there is no way to remove and wash the lens, you need to put drops in your eyes and wait until the foreign matter is “washed out” naturally.
Popular drops - review of the best brands
There are eye drops on the market with different purposes and prices. We offer a selection of popular drugs that are in demand among users of contact correction:
- Comfort Drops (Sauflon) - eliminate allergic reactions and other irritations of the eye mucosa. The advantages of the solution are its effectiveness and low cost.
- Opti-Free Moisturizers are an ideal solution for owners of soft lenses that clean well and are easy to use.
- ReNu MultiPlus Lubricating & Rewetting Drops - combat dry, burning sensations. These popular drops are relevant for the adaptation period, when you are just trying to wear lenses or switching to others (changing brand, material, wearing mode).
- Ophthalmix drops - stabilize the natural tear film, reduce discomfort, plus can be combined with any contact correction products (can be instilled even while wearing).
- Bio Fresh Eye - provide intense hydration, so they are relevant when working with a computer, in prolonged mode.
- Systane Ultra is a solution to eliminate corneal dryness and irritation.
The choice of drops depends on three factors - the type of contact lenses, eye health and lifestyle conditions. If in doubt, consult your doctor for advice: he will suggest the best solution, taking into account your individual characteristics.
How to choose drops?
Remember that not all eye drops are designed to moisturize. Among them, for example, there may also be anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, painkillers, which are not objectively necessary for you. In addition, not all drops can, in principle, be combined with contact correction agents, since preparations not intended for this purpose can affect changes in the basic properties of lenses, for example, their moisture content. If this happens, it is not recommended to use lenses.
It is best to select drops on the recommendation of an ophthalmologist. A specialist can advise you on good products at the stage of selecting contact lenses, but if this does not happen, you can always contact an optician for advice.
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Drops when wearing contact lenses are divided into two types - moisturizing and lubricating. Moisturizers are needed directly for dry eyes and pain; lubricants are used when the natural lubricant of the eye is produced in insufficient quantities.
Many modern products perform both functions. This is the best option that provides the most comfortable feeling in the lenses.
What solution is needed for colored lenses?
It is better to care for colored lenses using universal and multifunctional solutions. Peroxide systems can lead to leaching of color pigment.
Peroxide enters the structure of the ophthalmic product and destroys the coloring matter. After a single treatment, this will not happen, but over time, colored lenses will fade and lose their decorative functions. For the same reason, it is not recommended to frequently carry out enzymatic cleaning of this type of contact optics. Enzyme cleaners are best used only for the care of colored lenses designed for a quarter or six months. Over the entire service life of ophthalmic products, they can be treated with enzymes 2-3 times. Every 7-10 days, as for processing transparent contact optics, you should not use such products.
TOP 9 best drops for wearing contact lenses
Introducing eye drops that are suitable for everyday use.
Artelak Splash
The drops contain a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, thanks to which the unpleasant symptoms associated with dry eyes disappear in a matter of minutes. In addition, the drops effectively combat eye redness and dryness resulting from diseases and injuries of the organ of vision.
Buyers have access to drops in a standard bottle and in disposable dropper tubes.
Manufacturer: Bausch+Lomb.
Systane Ultra
Systane Ultra drops are a medicinal tear substitute. The drug is based on the natural polysaccharide hydroxypropyl guar, due to which a thin viscous film is formed on the surface of the cornea. It not only moisturizes the eyes, but also provides protection against possible infections.
In addition, if there are damaged areas on the surface of the eye, Systane Ultra promotes their healing.
Manufacturer: Alcon.
Gilan
Gilan drops moisturize the eyes for a long time and have anti-inflammatory properties. The composition of the drops is identical to natural tears, so they are suitable for continuous use. Safe for pregnant and lactating women. Compatible with all types of lenses.
Manufacturer: Solopharm.
Stillavit
Stillavit eye drops can be combined with any lenses, including orthokeratology lenses. They effectively cope with eye fatigue when working at a computer or driving for a long time in the dark, and also moisturize the eyes for a long time.
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Hilo chest of drawers
High-quality moisturizing drops from a German manufacturer. Used to moisturize the eyes when using contact correction, after ophthalmological operations, for damage and trauma to the anterior segment of the eye.
Manufacturer: Ursapharm.
Avizor Comfort Drops
Avizor Comfort Drops
Designed primarily for patients who use contact lenses. The product provides both a moisturizing and lubricating effect and is recommended for prolonged work at the computer or in adverse weather conditions, as well as during air travel (air on planes is dry). Suitable for any type of lenses.
Manufacturer: Avizor.
Avizor Moisture Drops
Avizor Moisture Drops
provides comfortable conditions for using contact lenses, and also effectively combats unpleasant symptoms - burning sensation in the eyes, itching and irritation. The drops moisturize for a long time and create a protective film on the cornea.
Manufacturer: Avizor.
Vismed Multi
Hydrogel drops are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and healing the cornea in the presence of erosions, keratitis, injuries, and after surgical operations on the organ of vision. The composition of the drops is similar to the composition of natural tear fluid, due to this the product can be used for reduced tear production.
Manufacturer: TRB Chemedica.
Opti-Free
Drops "Opti-Free"
Suitable for daily use when wearing soft lenses in any wearing mode. They allow you to maintain hydration at a sufficient level, as well as gently wash out dust particles blown in by the wind from your eyes. Another advantage of the product is its more affordable price compared to other moisturizing drops.
Manufacturer: Alcon.
Caring for lenses with decorative properties
While wearing contact optics, protein and lipid deposits accumulate on its surface. In addition, particles of cosmetics, dust and other contaminants that can be sources of microbes get on the lenses. Every day, ophthalmic products must be cleaned of these contaminants and disinfected. This reduces the risk of irritation, allergies or infectious eye diseases. This also helps preserve the lenses themselves and extends their service life. During the selection and purchase of contact optics, the ophthalmologist focuses the patient’s attention on this.
A person who purchases lenses must understand that the health of his eyes depends on their proper use. You need to take care of any lenses - transparent and decorative.
The following types of solutions are used to care for common ophthalmic products:
- Water-salt. They were previously used as basic solutions and did not have the antiseptic properties that other types of solutions have today. In this regard, water-salt cleaning fluids are now practically not used.
- Peroxide, which are based on hydrogen peroxide. This substance is a very powerful antiseptic. It is able to penetrate the structure of an ophthalmic product, destroying all types of microbes, bacteria and fungi. Peroxide is a good disinfectant, but it is harmful to the eyes. Peroxide systems must be purchased with a container equipped with a platinum catalytic disk capable of neutralizing hydrogen peroxide. Otherwise, you will have to buy rinse liquid as well.
- Enzymatic (enzyme) cleaners are products for more thorough and deep cleaning of deposits, used once every 7-10 days.
- Multifunctional, designed for cleaning, disinfecting, storing and rinsing contact optics. Often such liquids also have moisturizing properties.
- Universal, suitable for all types of lenses: soft, hard, colored. Often modern solutions are both multifunctional and universal. It is more convenient and profitable to buy them.
What solution is needed for colored lenses? Are all of the following types of cleaning agents suitable for colored contact lenses? If not, why not?
Which drug should I choose?
If you are choosing moisturizing drops for the first time, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist. The fact is that they come in different consistencies (liquid, thick), and different effects (not only with a moisturizing effect, but also with an antiseptic effect). Also, the drugs may contain preservatives, which cause allergies in some patients. Therefore, the doctor, based on the condition and characteristics of your eyes, will give the best advice on which drops are right for you.
The only drug that can be instilled without a doctor's prescription is artificial tears. From the name it is clear that the composition in this product is as close as possible to tear fluid, and it can be used not only before putting on an optical product, but also while wearing it. According to the instructions, the only side effect may be individual intolerance to the drug.
If you are using this product for the first time, be sure to monitor the reaction of your eyes: you need to drop it in and check the sensations. If everything is fine, then you can safely use them. If discomfort occurs, it is better to look for an alternative or seek help from an ophthalmologist.
MagazinLinz.ru team
