Peroxide eye solution is a specialized product that uses hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect contact lenses. It provides a thorough deep cleaning, preparing lenses for safe wear.
How Peroxide Solutions Clean
Hydrogen peroxide solutions clean contact lenses through a chemical reaction. The peroxide breaks down protein deposits and eliminates microorganisms that accumulate on the lens surface. This process ensures deep cleaning and disinfection, reducing the risk of eye irritation or infection.
After cleaning, a neutralization process converts hydrogen peroxide into harmless saline and oxygen. This conversion occurs within a specialized lens case containing a catalytic disc, often made of platinum. The disc facilitates the chemical breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, ensuring it is fully converted before lenses are worn.
This two-step approach, involving disinfection followed by complete neutralization, makes peroxide solutions effective for deep cleaning. The disinfecting power of hydrogen peroxide addresses contaminants, while neutralization ensures the solution is safe for direct eye contact. This process helps maintain lens hygiene and wearer comfort.
Step-by-Step Safe Use
Safe use of peroxide eye solution begins with proper hand hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely before handling contact lenses or the solution. This prevents the transfer of dirt, oils, or microorganisms.
After washing your hands, place each contact lens into its designated basket within the specialized lens case. Many systems feature separate compartments to ensure each lens is properly submerged for cleaning and neutralization.
Next, fill the lens case with the peroxide solution up to the indicated fill line, avoiding overfilling or underfilling. Insert the basket containing your lenses into the solution-filled case. Ensure the lenses are fully immersed for complete disinfection and neutralization.
The lenses must then soak for the recommended neutralization period, a minimum of six hours or overnight. This extended soaking time is necessary for the hydrogen peroxide to be completely converted into saline and oxygen, making the lenses safe to insert. Never shorten this soaking time.
Important Safety Measures and Considerations
Never put un-neutralized peroxide solution directly into your eye. Doing so will cause an immediate burning or stinging sensation, accompanied by redness, as active hydrogen peroxide can irritate and damage the eye’s delicate tissues.
If un-neutralized peroxide solution accidentally gets into your eye, immediately rinse thoroughly with sterile water or saline solution for several minutes. Afterward, seek prompt medical attention from an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, to assess any potential damage and receive appropriate care.
Always use the specialized lens case that comes with your peroxide solution. This case contains the neutralizing component, such as a platinum catalytic disc, which is necessary for converting hydrogen peroxide into a saline solution. Using a standard flat contact lens case will not neutralize the solution and is dangerous, as it will leave un-neutralized peroxide on your lenses.
Removing lenses prematurely means they will still have active hydrogen peroxide on them, leading to severe irritation and potential damage upon insertion. The full soak time is non-negotiable for eye safety.
Peroxide solutions are recommended for individuals with sensitive eyes or those with allergies to preservatives in some multipurpose solutions. After neutralization, peroxide solutions are preservative-free, which can reduce irritation. Their cleaning power also makes them a good choice for people prone to heavy protein deposits, offering thorough disinfection.
References
Alcon. AOSEPT PLUS with HydraGlyde. Patient Information Leaflet.
CooperVision. ClearCare Plus with HydraGlyde. Patient Information Leaflet.