Adjusting to contact lenses comes with questions. New wearers in Dubai often wonder, “What is a contact solution, and why does it matter?” With our hot climate and dusty environment, the right solution is vital. We understand your concerns and are here to help you feel confident from day one.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about contact solution, what it is, what it contains, and how to choose and use it safely. We’ll include expert insights and practical advice alongside helpful options from Adasat. Let’s begin.
What Does Contact Lens Solution Actually Do?
Contact solution is a liquid used to clean, disinfect, and store your contact lenses. It prevents harmful microbes from sticking to the lenses and reaching your eyes. Many new wearers think saline is enough, but it is not. A proper solution delivers essential protection and comfort.
What is Contact Solution Made Of?
Contact lens solutions are carefully formulated with a combination of ingredients designed to clean, disinfect, and maintain the comfort of your lenses. Disinfectants, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, are included to eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
Detergents help loosen and remove dirt, oils, and protein deposits that accumulate on the lens surface. To keep the solution gentle on your eyes, buffers and salts are added to maintain a natural, eye-friendly pH level.
Many solutions also include lubricants, like hyaluronic acid, which help keep the lenses moist and comfortable throughout the day.
Finally, preservatives are used to prevent contamination and extend the product’s shelf life after opening. Together, these components ensure that your lenses stay clean, clear, and safe for daily use. So, this is it for everyone asking, “What is contact lens solution made of?”
What is in Contact Solution and Why Does it Matter?
For everyone wondering, “What is a contact lens solution?” Remember that using the wrong liquid on your lenses can cause irritation or infection. The components above help prevent conditions like microbial keratitis, which is serious and painful.
Research emphasizes that only approved solutions should come into contact with lenses.
Choosing the Right Contact Lens Solution for Your Eyes and Environment
Choosing the best contact lens solution depends on several personal and environmental factors. In a hot, dry climate like Dubai’s, where heat and sun exposure can increase lens dryness, it’s important to select a solution with high lubricating properties to maintain moisture and comfort throughout the day.
Your wear schedule also has an impact. Standard multipurpose solutions are practical for daily use, while hydrogen peroxide systems offer a deeper level of cleaning. This is ideal for users who need more thorough disinfection, though they require careful handling and additional steps.
Finally, if you have sensitive eyes, opt for a gentle or preservative-free formula to reduce the risk of irritation. The right solution enhances comfort, eye health, and overall lens performance.
At Adasat, you can find products you may like that meet these criteria. Their range includes a multi-purpose solution for comfort and safety in our climate, backed by professional approval.
Common Mistakes First-Time Lens Users Make
Wearing contact lenses for the first time can be life-changing, but it also requires proper handling, hygiene, and education.
Many new users underestimate the level of care lenses demand, and simple mistakes can lead to discomfort, reduced lens performance, and, more critically, serious eye infections such as microbial keratitis or corneal ulcers.
Understanding and avoiding these common errors can help ensure a safe and comfortable transition to contact lens wear while protecting long-term ocular health.
Rinsing Lenses with Tap Water
One of the most critical and dangerous mistakes new users make is rinsing their contact lenses or lens cases with tap water. Tap water, although safe for drinking, can contain Acanthamoeba and other harmful microorganisms that are not safe for direct contact with the eyes.
These pathogens can cause severe infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and potentially sight-threatening condition.
Contact lenses should only be cleaned and stored using sterile, commercially prepared contact lens solutions specifically formulated to disinfect and preserve lenses.
Sleeping in Lenses Without Medical Approval
Falling asleep in contact lenses not approved for extended wear is a major risk factor for corneal hypoxia and infection. Overnight lens wear reduces the oxygen supply to the cornea, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and epithelial breakdown.
Unless your optometrist has prescribed lenses explicitly designed for overnight or extended wear, lenses must always be removed before going to sleep.
Mixing or Reusing Different Contact Lens Solutions
Another frequent error is using multiple brands or types of contact lens solutions interchangeably or reusing old solutions. Each product is chemically unique, with specific preservatives, buffers, and cleaning agents.
Mixing solutions can neutralize their antimicrobial properties, reducing overall efficacy and increasing the risk of contamination.
Reusing a solution rather than discarding it after each use also allows bacteria to proliferate in the lens case, making lenses more likely to transmit harmful pathogens to the eye.
Using Expired or Improperly Stored Solutions
Expired contact lens solutions lose their sterility and effectiveness, and using them may introduce harmful bacteria or fungi to the eyes. Similarly, storing solution bottles or lenses in hot, humid, or unsanitary environments can lead to contamination or chemical breakdown of the ingredients.
Always check expiration dates and store lens solutions at room temperature in a clean, dry area. Avoid touching the tip of the solution bottle to any surface, including your fingers, to prevent microbial contamination.
The Importance of Proper Education and Compliance
First-time users should receive detailed instructions from their eye care provider, including hands-on training in lens insertion, removal, and care. Written instructions alone are often insufficient.
Wearing contact lenses safely requires a daily routine that includes proper cleaning, handling, and monitoring for symptoms of irritation or infection. Avoiding these common mistakes is essential not only for comfort and visual clarity but also for preserving your long-term ocular health.
Essential Safety Tips Every New Contact Lens User Should Know
Maintaining proper contact lens hygiene is essential for eye health and comfort. Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your lenses to prevent the transfer of dirt or bacteria.
When storing lenses, never top off old solutions; always use fresh solutions each day to ensure effective cleaning and disinfection. After each use, rinse your contact lens case with fresh solution (not water) and allow it to air dry to minimize bacterial growth.
It’s also important to replace your contact lens case every three months, as old cases can harbor microbes even with regular cleaning. Finally, store your contact lenses in a cool, clean environment, away from direct sunlight or heat, which can degrade the solution and affect lens quality.
These steps significantly lower your risk of irritation or infection.
How Long Should You Soak the Contact Lenses in the Solution?
To ensure your lenses are safe to wear, you must soak the lenses in the solution for the right amount of time. Most multi-purpose contact solutions recommend at least six hours of soaking. This allows the disinfectants in the solution to fully sanitize the lenses and break down deposits.
Top Reminders for Using Contact Lens Solution Safely and Effectively
Proper use of contact lens solution is just as important as choosing the right one. Always read the product label carefully, as each solution may have specific instructions and requirements. Following the manufacturer's directions ensures safe and effective use.
Never shorten the recommended soaking time, as wearing lenses before the full disinfection cycle is complete increases the risk of serious eye infections. It's also essential to use only fresh solution each time; never reuse or top off old solution in the lens case, as this compromises its disinfecting ability.
Some users apply the solution directly to the lenses before insertion, but this should only be done if the product is specifically formulated for direct eye contact. Not all solutions are safe for this use, so always check the label or consult your eye care provider first.
Keeping Eyes Comfortable and Safe: When to Use Eye Drops VS. Contact Lens Solution?
If your lenses feel dry after hours of wear, do not apply storage solution directly to your eyes. Instead, use drops of lubricating eye drops made specifically for contact lenses. This helps maintain hydration without compromising safety.
By following these steps, you protect the health of your eyes and extend the life of your contact lenses.
Dubai’s Harsh Climate and Its Impact on Contact Lens Comfort and Safety
Dubai’s unique environment poses several challenges for contact lens wearers that make proper lens care especially critical. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and frequent dust exposure can affect both the comfort and safety of wearing contact lenses.
1. High Temperatures
Outdoor temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) during the summer. High heat can dry out contact lenses faster, especially if you’re outdoors or exposed to air conditioning for long periods. Dehydrated lenses can warp, become less comfortable, and even lead to microscopic abrasions on the cornea if worn dry.
2. Low Humidity
Dubai’s air is frequently dry, particularly in indoor spaces where air conditioning reduces ambient humidity even further. This can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, making lens wear uncomfortable and even unsafe if not managed properly.
3. Airborne Dust and Sand
Frequent exposure to sandstorms or even typical roadside dust can irritate the eyes and contaminate lenses. Dust particles may get trapped under lenses, causing scratches or infections.
4. Chlorinated Pools and the Sea
Many Dubai residents enjoy swimming, but wearing lenses in pools or the sea is a high-risk practice. Chlorinated water and seawater contain microorganisms, including Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious eye infections if trapped under lenses.
By being mindful of these region-specific risks, you can adjust your contact lens routine to maintain clear, healthy vision and avoid complications.
Always consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist for personalized advice, especially if you wear lenses regularly in extreme environmental conditions.
Conclusion
For new contact lens wearers in Dubai, choosing and using the right contact solution is non-negotiable. It protects your eyes from infection, keeps lenses comfortable, and adapts to our challenging climate.
Adasat carries trusted solutions that meet these high standards. Explore their contact solution collection today and start your lens journey with confidence. You can also call 04 557 4379 or email info@adasat.com for help!
FAQs
Can I use generic saline instead of contact solution?
No. Generic saline only provides moisture. It lacks disinfectants. That leaves your lenses vulnerable to bacterial growth and infection. Always use a proper multi-purpose or hydrogen peroxide solution.
How often should I replace my contact solution?
Change the solution in your lens case every day. Never top it off. Discard the old solution and rinse the case daily. Replace your case every three months to avoid contamination.
Are hydrogen peroxide solutions better than multi-purpose ones?
They offer deeper disinfection by neutralizing all pathogens. However, they require a strict neutralization step before inserting lenses. Choose based on your comfort and routine.
What should I do if my eyes feel dry or itchy?
Make sure you use a lubricating solution and follow usage instructions. If discomfort persists, visit an eye care professional. They might recommend preservative-free or specialty solutions.
Is it safe to buy contact solutions in Dubai pharmacies and online?
Yes, so long as it’s sealed and not expired. Adasat is a reputable source offering authentic and quality-approved products. Always check the manufacturer and expiry dates.