Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are the modern form of hard contact lenses, made from durable materials that allow a high degree of oxygen to reach the eye. Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses do not absorb water, but they still accumulate protein, lipid, and mineral deposits from the tear film. Meticulous daily cleaning is the primary method to remove these deposits, which can otherwise blur vision, reduce lens comfort, and create an environment for microbial growth. A consistent and proper cleaning routine is the most effective way to prevent severe eye infections, such as the sight-threatening Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Required Cleaning Solutions and Tools
Caring for RGP lenses requires three distinct types of products, all specifically formulated for gas permeable materials. These include a daily cleaner, a surfactant solution designed to physically detach deposits from the lens surface. A conditioning or soaking solution provides disinfection and keeps the lens hydrated while stored overnight. Finally, a sterile rinsing solution, typically saline, is used to wash away the concentrated daily cleaner before storage.
Never use tap water or saliva for cleaning or rinsing RGP lenses. Tap water often contains microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause severe corneal infections. It also contains minerals that adhere to the lens surface, compromising clarity and comfort. Using only sterile, commercially prepared solutions ensures proper disinfection and maintains the lens material’s integrity.
Step-by-Step Daily Lens Care Protocol
The cleaning process begins immediately upon lens removal. First, thoroughly wash hands using a non-moisturizing soap and dry them completely with a lint-free towel. Remove the lens over a clean, flat surface, such as a towel, to prevent damage if dropped. Once removed, place the lens in the palm of your hand, never directly into the case. The mechanical rubbing step is the most important part of the routine.
Apply a few drops of the RGP daily cleaner onto the lens. Use the pad of a finger—often the little finger to minimize pressure—to gently rub both the convex (outer) and concave (inner) surfaces. This physical friction is crucial for RGP lenses, as it mechanically dislodges stubborn protein and lipid deposits that chemical solutions alone cannot remove effectively. Rubbing should last for 10 to 30 seconds for each side to ensure thorough cleaning.
After rubbing, the lens must be rinsed thoroughly with a sterile saline or designated rinsing solution. This flushes away the loosened debris and the concentrated daily cleaning solution. Once rinsed, the lens is ready for disinfection and storage. Place it into the designated well of the lens case, which must be filled with fresh conditioning solution, before repeating the process for the second lens.
Proper Storage and Case Hygiene
After cleaning and rinsing, lenses must be submerged in fresh conditioning solution every night for disinfection. It is crucial never to “top off” the existing solution, as this practice reintroduces microbes from the previously worn lenses into the case and dilutes the concentration of the disinfecting agents. Lenses must soak for the minimum time specified by the manufacturer, typically several hours, to ensure complete microbial kill.
The lens case requires a dedicated hygiene routine, as it is a common source of contamination. Once lenses are inserted into the eyes, empty the storage case of the old solution. Rinse the case with sterile saline or disinfecting solution, and then wipe it dry with a clean tissue. Leave the empty case open and upside down to air-dry completely until the next use. This air-drying step is effective at inhibiting microbial growth within the case.
The entire lens case should be replaced regularly, even with diligent cleaning. Eye care professionals recommend replacing the case every one to three months. The material of the case can develop a biofilm, a sticky matrix of microorganisms, over time that becomes resistant to disinfecting solutions. Periodic replacement is a necessary measure for maintaining optimal eye health.