PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Contact Lens Accessories





	Gadgets and gear for contact care Among the writings of that consummate Renaissance man, Leonardo da Vinci, was an idea for contact lenses. He imagined a tiny trough of water forming a vision-correcting lens when placed against the eye. Had the thought proved workable, an eyedropper and a nearby tap might be all you'd need to care for your contacts. Unfortunately, things aren't quite so simple. If you're just making the switch from specs, you'd better make room in your bathroom for a few new gadgets and gear. And plan to add an extra step to your morning and evening routines. But it's worth it -- there is a whole world of stuff to look at, and with a little effort, you can see it all pretty clearly.



	The Right Stuff Care regimens vary with the type of lens you wear, but a gadget or two can make things easier and more effective. Since chemicals don't always mix, be careful. If you change anything, change everything. Should you switch soaking solutions, for example, get a new lens case, too. Remember that harmful bacteria can build up on your gear. Keep everything clean and look for items that can withstand boiling. Getting on Your Case As essential as a case for glasses, lens cases protect your investment. If your lenses call for nightly soaking, a case also serves as a miniature bathtub. When shopping, make sure left and right sides are clearly marked on both the cap and lens wells. If you wear rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, you'll need to check that wells are textured to prevent the lens from sticking to the case. Beyond that, look for a case that holds 2.5 ml or more of solution -- a plus in the battle against bacteria. Especially for Hard Lenses Lens holders for water cleaning: hard lenses can be cleaned with plain tap water after spending the night in a soaking solution to loosen built-up oils and debris. For this simple and low-cost cleaning method, you'll need a perforated holder that keeps lenses safe at hand as the tap's pressure dislodges undesirables. Hydraulic cleaners: these hand-powered "machines" put extra power behind your cleaning efforts without scratching or otherwise damaging lenses. Simply fill the container with cleaning solution, place a lens in each of the baskets, then add the lid and rotate for deposit-dissolving hydraulic action. Ultrasonic cleaners: more sophisticated than hydraulic cleaners, these electric appliances use ultrasound waves and plain water to clean lenses. The price can be on the hefty side, but you'll save on cleaning solution down the road. For Softies Only Heat disinfecting units: the FDA says soft lenses should be disinfected before each wearing: heat disinfection is one method. Lenses are placed in a case filled with saline solution that fits into the heating unit. Temperatures that the units reach vary, so the time required to kill bacteria may be anywhere from a matter of minutes to a number of hours. Platinum disc-based peroxide disinfecting systems: another method of disinfecting soft lenses is with hydrogen peroxide, which must be neutralized before lenses touch the eye. Platinum disc-based systems provide a one-step answer. Through catalytic action, a platinum disc works to neutralize the peroxide while simultaneously fighting bacteria. Over time, the disc loses effectiveness, so you'll need to replace it about every three months.



	Lens Case Care Air dry the case between each use and scrub weekly. Some cases (made of polycarbonate or noryl plastic) can be boiled for 10 minutes a week.



	Take Good Care of Your Case If not washed thoroughly, cases can become contaminated and lead to eye infections.



	Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers American Academy of Optometry American Optometric Association Association of Parents Having a Kid in Contact Lenses CIBA Vision Contact Lens Manufacturers Association's Contact Lens Guide World Wide Web Optometrist Directory Sources & Further Reading Books 1. Covington, TR; RR Berardi, LL Young, SC Kendall, MJ Hickey.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1996. 2. Winter, R.A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Random House, Ince. New York 1994. 3. Michalun, N and MV Michalun.Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Milday Pub. Co. Albany, NY 1994. Find more books on health and wellness at barnesandnoble.com.

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PlanetRx - Learn More - Product Advice - Contact Lens Accessories

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