Cloudy contact lenses create a hazy or blurry film that compromises visual clarity and often causes eye discomfort. This alteration in the lens material is a physical sign that the lens surface is no longer clean. Addressing this cloudiness immediately is necessary to maintain visual acuity and ocular health, often requiring deep cleaning or replacement.
Common Reasons Contacts Become Cloudy
The primary cause of contact lens cloudiness is the accumulation of biological material naturally present in tears. The eye constantly secretes proteins and lipids, which adhere to the lens surface and can eventually denature, forming an opaque film. Calcium and other mineral deposits from the tear film also contribute to this buildup, gradually reducing the lens’s transparency.
External sources of contamination frequently exacerbate the problem, including residues from cosmetics, hand creams, or lotions transferred during handling. Environmental factors such as dust, smoke, or airborne pollutants can physically stick to the lens material, creating a noticeable haze. Improper storage practices also contribute, such as “topping off” old solution or using tap water, which diminishes disinfecting power and introduces mineral residue.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning
To effectively remove surface deposits, a mechanical cleaning action is necessary, even if your solution is labeled as “no-rub.” Begin by placing the lens in the palm of a clean hand and applying several drops of fresh multipurpose solution. Gently rub the lens surface with your fingertip in a back-and-forth or circular motion for at least 10 to 15 seconds on both sides. This action loosens and breaks down the adhered proteins and lipids causing the cloudiness.
Following the rubbing step, thoroughly rinse the lens with a steady stream of fresh solution to wash away the dislodged debris. The lens must then soak in a clean case filled with fresh solution for the manufacturer’s recommended disinfection time, typically a minimum of six hours. Always discard the old solution and refill the case entirely, as reusing solution eliminates its disinfecting properties.
For a deeper clean, especially if cloudiness persists, use a hydrogen peroxide-based system, which offers powerful, preservative-free disinfection. This system requires a specific case with a neutralizing disc that converts the hydrogen peroxide into a saline solution over several hours. It is important to allow the full neutralization time before insertion, as unneutralized peroxide will cause severe stinging and burning upon contact with the eye.
Identifying When Lenses Must Be Replaced
Cleaning can only resolve cloudiness caused by removable deposits; some issues necessitate replacing the lens entirely. Physical damage, such as a scratch, tear, or bent edge, compromises the integrity of the lens and can irritate or injure the cornea. Cloudiness that remains visible after a thorough deep cleaning suggests the material has undergone irreversible staining or degradation.
Lenses possess a clear expiration date, and wearing them beyond the prescribed schedule increases the risk of protein accumulation and bacterial growth. The lens material itself can break down over time, making it less effective and more prone to deposit adherence. If cloudiness, irritation, or blurred vision persists after a complete cleaning and disinfection cycle, the lens should be discarded. Consult an eye care professional to rule out underlying eye health issues.
Preventing Future Cloudiness
Proactive hygiene habits are the most effective defense against recurring contact lens cloudiness. Always wash your hands with plain soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling lenses to prevent transferring oils and contaminants. Strictly adhere to the replacement schedule prescribed by your eye care professional, as wearing lenses past their intended lifespan is a primary driver of deposit buildup.
Never “top off” the solution in your case; always use fresh solution for cleaning and storage, and discard the old solution immediately. The contact lens case should be rinsed with fresh solution—not tap water—and allowed to air-dry after each use. It is recommended to replace the lens case entirely at least every three months, as the plastic can harbor bacteria and biofilms over time.