Protein removal contact lenses

Types of protein-removing contact lenses

• Daily Disposable Lenses

  Protein-removing daily contact lenses are discarded after one wear. There is no need for cleaning since fresh lenses are used daily. These lenses also reduce the build-up of protein deposits. Because of the convenience and lack of protein-removing requirements, these lenses are good for expediting protein removers.

• Biweekly and Monthly Disposable Lenses

  These lenses are meant to be worn for one to two weeks or one month at a time. The lenses should be cleaned and stored overnight in a disinfecting solution. This solution provides adequate cleaning and protein removal over time for the wearer.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

  Rigid gas permeable lenses are made of rigid plastic that allows oxygen to pass through to the eye. RGP lenses ought to be cleaned and stored in a prescribed protein-removing solution. These solutions are needed because these types of lenses can accumulate protein deposits. This is, in fact, a very common problem associated with RGP lenses.

• Toric Lenses

  These are special contact lenses for astigmatism. These lenses can be made from different materials and can be either daily disposables or biweekly/monthly disposables. People wearing toric lenses should use a protein remover specific for their lenses since different materials will need different care routines.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses

  These are specially designed gas permeable lenses to reshape the cornea temporarily. Overnight wear of ortho-k lenses is common with patients who want to control myopia. Proper protein removal is essential for maintaining the lens shape and eye health

• Multifocal Contact Lenses

  These lenses provide vision correction for presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses come in disposable and RGP varieties. The kind of protein remover required for these lenses will still depend on the material used.

Designs of protein-removing contact lenses

Different types of contact lenses with respect to their designs and how they influence the wearer's comfort, eye health, and vision correction. They include:

• Spherical Lenses

  This is the most common design of contact lenses intended for people with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia). Spherical lenses help focus light correctly on the retina. These lenses require protein removal to maintain visual clarity since protein deposits may otherwise interfere with this clarity.

• Cylindrical Lenses

  Also known as toric lenses, these contact lenses are designed for astigmatism. These lenses have different refractive powers in different meridians to correct the eye's shape irregularity. Protein removal solution is needed to prevent the accumulation of protein deposits on toric lenses. Protein deposits on these lenses can cause vision blurriness and discomfort, especially on cylindrical lenses.

• Multifocal Lenses

  Multifocal lenses are intended for presbyopia patients who need different prescriptions for near, intermediate, and far vision. These lenses have zones for different vision distances. Protein removal on multifocal lenses is essential to keep all viewing distances clear and comfortable. Protein deposits on any of the zones can affect vision at all distances.

• Orthokeratology Lenses

  These are specialty gas permeable lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea for temporary myopia control. No longer need glasses during the day, ortho-k lenses require rigorous maintenance, including the use of protein removers. These lenses are made of durable materials that can absorb proteins if not properly cared for.

• Hybrid Lenses

  Hybrid lenses combine the comfort of soft contact lenses with the clarity of RGP lenses. A rigid gas permeable core, for example, may give the wearer sharper vision in the center zone. While softer lenses provide comfort, these peripheral zones may be made from soft lens materials that could accumulate protein deposits.

Durability of protein removal contact lenses

In order to understand the further requirement of protein removal, it is important to first understand the durability of contact lenses.

• Daily Disposable Lenses

  The wear of daily disposable lenses is for a single day. There is no requirement today that these lenses have to be removed or cleaned. Each lens is disposable and is to be thrown away at the end of the day. These are convenient for users who do not want to have a long routine of lens care. These lenses offer lens durability for one single day.

• Biweekly and Monthly Disposable Lenses

  The durability of these lenses depend on time; biweekly lenses last for up to 14 days while monthly lenses can last for up to 30 days. With this type of contact lens, cleaning and storage are very much pertinent. These lenses have to be stored in a disinfectant solution and cleaned daily to ensure their longevity. Improper handling or failure to clean the lens may affect the durability of the lens.

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

  This type of lens can last from 1 to 3 years with proper care. RGP lenses are more durable than soft lenses and are made from hard materials. This makes them ideal for longer durations of wear. Good maintenance and use of protein removers are essential for longer durability. These lenses mold the eye and may need fewer replacements.

• Specialty Lenses

  Lenses like toric, multifocal, and ortho-K RGP lenses are also highly durable. They last between 1 and 2 years, or longer. Materials used to manufacture these lenses are intended to hold their shape and remain effective for long periods of time. Proper care, storage, and the use of prescribed protein removers are necessary. This helps ensure that the lenses do not suffer any damage and continue to be durable.

How to choose protein-removing contact lenses

The selection of contact lenses will be based on personal preferences and needs, eye health parameters, and suitable lens types.

• Lens Type

  Different lenses have to be compared as to their types. These include daily disposables, monthly disposables, and RGP lenses. Each of these lenses can be matched with varying degrees of convenience, wear, and care requirements. Daily disposables mean no cleaning, so they are convenient to wear. This makes them ideal for wearers with busy schedules. Monthly disposables and RGP lenses will require cleaning and the use of protein removers. However, they may provide better comfort and vision.

• Material

  The material of the contact lens will have an impact on the oxygenation of the lens and the comfort of the wearer. Silicon hydrogel lenses permit more oxygen to pass through than regular hydrogel lenses. This makes them ideal for extended wear. Also, different materials have varying affinities for protein deposition. Lens materials that are less likely to accumulate proteins are recommended.

• Prescription and Fit

  A proper prescription has to be taken to ensure that the contact lenses will have the right refractive power. Also, the fit has to be right – especially for RGP and toric lenses – to ensure good vision and comfort when worn. Consult an eye doctor and get an up-to-date prescription. They will help with the right choice of lenses based on individual eye parameters.

• Budget

  Budgetary considerations will also have an influence on the choice of contact lenses. Daily disposables are more expensive on a daily basis than monthly disposables. But then, monthly disposables may need more budgetary allocations in terms of lens care products. Carefully consider costs – especially over the long term – when making a decision on what contact lenses to get. Get lenses that suit one's lifestyle and financial capabilities.

Q&A

Q. Do all contact lenses need protein removers?

A. No. Protein removers are only needed for lenses that are not discarded daily.

Q. Which lenses are most prone to protein buildup and require protein removers?

A. Rigid gas permeable lenses are most prone to protein buildup due to their longevity.

Q. Are there any lenses that require fewer protein removers?

A. Soft silicone hydrogel lenses need fewer protein removers due to their material.

Q. Do multifocal and toric lenses require protein removers too?

A. Yes, these lenses also need protein removers when worn for a long time.