What are hard contact lenses and how to clean them

What are hard contact lenses?

Hard Contact lenses, also known ar GP, RGP or oxygen permeable lenses are made from a rigid material that makes them more resistant to proteins or deposits. This type of lenses lasts longer and is usually recommended to people that have astigmatism or irregular shaped eyes and custom lenses are needed.

What is the main difference from the soft contact lenses?

The main difference comes from the name of the lens itself, as the hard lenses are from a more rigid material and are usually thicker than the soft contact lenses. The hard lenses are not as moist as the soft ones as the water content is lower. Another thing that is quite different is the caring process, as these 2 types of lenses require different solutions and cleaning steps.

How to clean them?

You should also consult with your specialist before wearing hard contact lenses and make sure you understand what is needed for the lenses you have and what products are recommended.

We are mentioning below the main steps that should be followed:

1. Always wash your hands with a fragrance-free soap and rinse thoroughly. Dry them with a lint-free towel, so you avoid passing any other things on the lenses
2. Take the lens off the eye carefully and apply a few drops of cleaning solution (like Menicare or Boston) and gently rub them.
3. Rinse the lens with the same cleaning solution or saline solution, but never with tap water.
4. Place the lens in its special case that was previously cleaned and dried, that is filled with the cleaning solution.
5. In some cases, if recommended by the specialist, once a week the lenses should also be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner (like Progent) that helps remove proteins off the lenses.

Other things you should keep in mind

• Always clean the case properly, you can even use a cotton swab or toothbrush and make sure you change it once a month, or with every new solution you open, but no longer than 3 months
• Never wear your lenses while swimming, taking a shower or taking a bath, as water and steam can get in touch with the lenUse only solutions specially designed for hard lenses
• Don't mix solutions that are made with different ingredients
• Always use special cases for hard lenses that had ridges on the bottom, in order to prevent from the lenses sticking it
• You can also use suction cups to apply and remove lenses. These products should also be cleaned thoroughly.

At eOpticians you find the most popular products for hard contact lens cleaning and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us at hello@eopticians.co.uk.