Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses
Author: Marlane J. Brown, OD, FAAO
Minnesota Eye Consultants
What are Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?
Gas permeable Contact Lenses, or “GPs,” are corrective lenses that are worn directly on the eye.
How Do I Clean and Disinfect Gas Permeable Contact Lenses?
Naturally occurring mucous, protein and lipids can accumulate on the lenses in the form of deposits, which can irritate the eyes and can also act as a depot for bacteria. Proper cleaning and disinfecting keeps the lenses free of deposits and bacteria. There are two main types of soft contact lens care products: multi-purpose solution and hydrogen peroxide solution. These are defined below.
Hydrogen peroxide solutions work differently than multi-purpose solutions. In this method, the lenses are disinfected and cleaned with 3% hydrogen peroxide. The lenses are stored in a special vial that is designed to neutralize the hydrogen peroxide. It is important to leave the Contact Lenses in the vial until the hydrogen peroxide has been neutralized, which takes six hours. Inserting the Contact Lenses before the solution is neutralized can cause chemical burns to the eye. The lenses should not be rinsed with the hydrogen peroxide solution prior to insertion. The vials become less effective at neutralizing over time and need to be replaced with each purchase of solution. This method is a good alternative for patients who are sensitive to multi-purpose solutions because after the hydrogen peroxide is neutralized, it is free of disinfectants, preservatives and cleaners.
What are Some Guidelines for Safe Contact Lens Wear?
Proper wear, care and handling of Contact Lenses are essential to promoting healthy eyes. Patients who ignore certain precautions are at risk for developing infections, inflammation, corneal scarring and other potentially sight-threatening conditions. Patients who have contact lens-related eye complications may have to discontinue wearing lenses indefinitely. Serious complications may permanently damage the eyes. To reduce the likelihood of contact lens complications, simple precautions must be taken.
- Hands should be properly washed with soap and water and dried before handling the Contact Lenses.
- Moisturizing lotions, creams and fragrant soaps should be not be used until after handling Contact Lenses.
- Aerosol sprays should be avoided while wearing contacts.
- Make-up should be applied only after inserting the contacts.
- Contact lens cleaning solutions should be used only as directed by the manufacturer. When using multi-purpose solution, it is important to replace the solution each day. Never “top off” solution or mix brands.
- Contact lens cases should be rinsed with multi-purpose solution and air dried daily. The case should be replaced every 2-3 months.
- Contact Lenses should never be stored in tap water or saliva for even a short period of time. Contacts should also never be stored in saline solution, even if it labeled as “sterile.”
- It is not recommended that patients swim or use hot tubs while wearing Contact Lenses. Even if treated with chloride, water contains microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
- Prescription and over-the-counter eye drops should not be used when wearing Contact Lenses unless they are specifically approved for such use.
- Contact Lenses should be removed at least one hour before sleep
- Patients should immediately remove their soft contact lens and see their eye doctor if the eye becomes red, painful, irritated or if the vision becomes blurry. The lenses should not be re-inserted until the eye doctor has determined that it is safe to do so. It is important that all contact lens wearers have an up-to-date pair of glasses in the event that they will not be able to wear their contacts for a period of time.
Soft Contact Lenses are an option for more and more individuals who may not have been able to wear them in the past. The contact lens industry continually introduces new lens materials, care systems and correction parameters. By following the proper recommendations, most patients can safely and successfully correct their vision with soft Contact Lenses.
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