GP LENS MATERIALS are considered to be easy to clean and durable. With that longevity, though, comes the potential for lens deposits and the discomfort and foggy vision that goes along with them. Let’s review some of the things to keep in mind with GP lens care…for both patients and practitioners.
USE THE RIGHT DAILY PRODUCTS AND ROUTINE
As with all contact lenses, the general steps are rub, rinse, and store (disinfect). GP care systems are typically either a single multipurpose solution (MPS) or a daily cleaner and separate conditioner. Either can work well, but both must be used properly.
For example, I sometimes have patients who are using only a conditioner for the rubbing rather than an MPS or daily cleaner, which doesn’t provide enough cleaning power. Worse, the patient may skip the rubbing altogether. Patients should always avoid rinsing their lenses with tap water.
Peroxide systems can also be used with GP lenses, but again, the lens must be rubbed with the peroxide solution, a step many patients omit (American Optometric Association).
Patient education about lens care can’t be emphasized enough. Written materials regarding solutions and correct care steps are important to ensure that patients get the right information and know the proper procedures (Association of Optometric Contact Lens Educators, 2012).
ADD AN ADJUNCT PRODUCT
Although standard GP products for everyday use do a good job, the fact that GPs have a long lifespan increases the chances of lenses getting deposits, even with proper adherence to lens care. For patients more prone to deposits, adjunct cleaners are available.
Enzymatic protein removers are still available for GP lenses and are simple to use (just a couple of drops of enzyme along with standard storage solution in the case). Weekly use of an enzyme can make a big difference in preventing deposits. Other products are available to deep clean GPs, including mix-together solutions for biweekly lens cleaning.
IN-OFFICE CLEANING
Extra attention is needed for deeply soiled lenses (Figure 1). Heavy-duty polish and lab cleaners are available from your GP lab. These may be sufficient to remove stubborn lens deposits with digital rubbing.
If not, another great way to help patients whose lenses have heavy GP deposits is to hone your polishing skills. A lens polishing unit with a motorized spinning pad (Figure 2) is an inexpensive way to step up your GP game. It can be used for removing deposits, smoothing lens edges, and making small power adjustments to lenses with spherical optics.
LAST WORD
Of course, it is also a reasonable choice to simply replace deposited lenses with a fresh pair, especially if other damage (such as a chipped edge) is present. Being a skilled GP practitioner is knowing when to, and being able to, salvage a lens that still has some life left. Talk to your GP lab about obtaining heavy-duty polishing products and/or a polishing unit.
REFERENCES
1. American Optometric Association. Contact Lens Care. Available at aoa.org/healthy-eyes/vision-and-vision-correction/contact-lens-care?sso=y. Accessed 2024 Feb 22.
2. Association of Optometric Contact Lens Educators. Healthy Gas Permeable Contact Lens Habits. 2012. Available at aocle.org/index.php/healthy-gp-cl-habits. Accessed 2024 Feb 22.
