Protein deposits are such a tricky thing that many contact lens wearers specifically choose solutions that provide a protein removal function when they purchase contact lens care solutions.
Despite sounding reliable, just soaking and rinsing the lenses with the care solution cannot fulfill our need for protein removal.
Tear proteins deposited on the lens surface tend to degenerate, resulting in a protein film. When the protease component of the care solution is applied to break down the tear proteins, it can normally remove only a tiny amount of tear proteins from the surface of the lens irrespective of how it is rinsed or soaked, while more tear proteins are hidden in the pores of the internal structure of the lens. It is especially challenging for the outside protease to work adequately given the obstruction of the protein film.
A testing institute tested the protein removal rate of five multifunctional care solutions for contact lenses, in which the most available solution achieved only a removal rate of 29.8%, while the other four achieved a removal rate of only about 17%.
Note: The cleaning operation in the experiment was「rinsing with care solution」, while the artificial tear solution employed in the experiment contained merely a limited number of protein components without lipids, resulting in much lower deposition volume and binding strength on the lenses than in reality.
For this reason, it is really not enough to get rid of tear proteins just by soaking them in a care solution, the more significant thing is to clear out the proteins that stick intimately inside the lenses with the assistance of external forces. It is more analogous in the way of washing clothes, as laundry detergent possesses the capability of cleaning stains, whereas hand-rubbing or machine washing must be performed in conjunction with laundry.
For the proteins stuck inside the lenses
How can they be cleared out?
The answer to this question is actually embedded in the contact lens care solution instructions: rub the front and back of the lens gently with your index finger several times and rinse thoroughly. To put it bluntly, it means rubbing with your hands. Nevertheless, it is necessary to rub them in a proper way, so as to get rid of more protein deposits.
There has been experimental evidence that tears protein residues are significantly reduced after rubbing, when the identical lens is cleaned with the same care solution. Moreover, hand rubbing provides a superior cleaning effect for other impurities, such as lipids on the lenses.
Besides, it is quite troublesome to complete this operation strictly every day when you come home from work.
First and foremost, if the hands are not cleaned properly, the lenses may be contaminated with germs, which is likely to generate health risks for the eyes. Secondly, rubbing is also not an easy task, since it takes less force for fear of not rubbing in place, while the lens is found to be broken after a few hard rubs with strong force. In addition, if some girls who want to be beautiful have extended nail art, it is virtually impossible to start, not to mention control the force.
Why not choose an FDA 510k approved contact lens cleaner for this task?
ReO2 Contact Lens Cleaner can eliminate 99.999% of bacteria and viruses and remove 94.7% of protein deposits in as little as 10 minutes per day. Experience effective deep cleaning for your contacts with ReO2 and enjoy clear vision every day effortlessly. To learn more about our patented cleaning technology, please check here.