Protein deposits are a common issue for many contact lens wearers, which is why people often choose solutions that claim to remove these pesky proteins.
While these solutions sound effective, just soaking and rinsing your lenses usually isn't enough. Proteins from your tears can accumulate on the lens surface, forming a stubborn protein film. Care solutions with protease enzymes aim to break down these proteins, but they typically only remove a small amount from the lens surface. Many proteins remain hidden in the lens's pores, making them hard to reach and remove effectively.
In a study evaluating the protein removal efficiency of five different multifunctional contact lens solutions found that the best-performing solution achieved a protein removal rate of just 29.8%. The other four solutions only managed about 17%.
Note: The study's cleaning method involved rinsing the lenses with care solution, and the artificial tear solution used had fewer protein components and no lipids, leading to lower protein deposition and weaker binding than in real-life scenarios.
Therefore, soaking lenses in care solutions alone is not enough. It's also essential to also manually remove the proteins embedded within the lenses. This process is similar to washing clothes: while detergent alone can break down stains, manual scrubbing or machine agitation is necessary to remove them completely.
How to Remove Proteins from Your Lenses
The secret to removing embedded proteins is in the care solution instructions: gently rub the front and back of the lens with your index finger several times, then rinse thoroughly. This manual rubbing significantly enhances protein removal compared to just soaking. Studies show a significant reduction in protein residues after rubbing. This method also more effectively removes other impurities, such as lipids, which can accumulate on the lenses.
However, doing this every day can be a hassle.
- If your hands aren’t properly cleaned before handling your lenses, you risk contaminating them with bacteria, which can lead to eye infections.
- Rubbing lenses requires a delicate touch. Too little pressure may not clean effectively, while too much can damage the lens. This is particularly challenging for individuals with long nails or those who struggle with fine motor tasks.
- After a long day, taking the time to meticulously clean your lenses can feel like a chore, and it’s easy to rush through the process or skip it altogether.
Why Not Try the mfa Contact Lens Cleaner?
For those seeking a more convenient and reliable solution, the mfa Contact Lens Cleaner offers an advanced alternative. Utilizing 360-degree cleaning technology, this device efficiently removes protein deposits, dust, and bacteria from your lenses. In just three minutes a day, the mfa Contact Lens Cleaner provides a thorough, deep clean, ensuring clear vision and reducing the risk of eye infections.
By using the mfa Contact Lens Cleaner into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of crystal-clear vision and healthier eyes without the tedious and sometimes risky process of manual cleaning. Get a high-level cleaning device from a professional in eye care niche!