The Science Behind Cleaning Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses with Hydrogen Peroxide

Maintaining the cleanliness and clarity of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses is crucial for eye health and optimal vision. Hydrogen peroxide is a popular choice for cleaning these lenses due to its effective disinfection properties. Understanding why hydrogen peroxide is used, how it works, and the importance of neutralizing and rinsing the lenses can help ensure that your contact lenses remain in top condition.

Why Use Hydrogen Peroxide?

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a powerful oxidizing agent known for its antimicrobial properties. It is particularly effective at breaking down organic materials, including proteins and lipids that can accumulate on contact lenses. Here’s how hydrogen peroxide cleans RGP lenses:

1. Disinfection: Hydrogen peroxide is effective against a broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the lenses, it helps to eliminate these pathogens, reducing the risk of eye infections and irritations.
2. Breaking Down Deposits: Over time, RGP lenses can accumulate deposits from tears, dust, and other environmental factors. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down these organic deposits, ensuring that your lenses remain clear and comfortable.
3. Removal of Residual Cleaning Agents: If you've used other cleaning solutions in the past, residues might be left on the lenses. Hydrogen peroxide helps to remove these residual chemicals, providing a thorough cleanse.

The Neutralization Process

While hydrogen peroxide is excellent at cleaning lenses, it’s crucial to neutralize it before placing the lenses in your eyes. Hydrogen peroxide is acidic and can cause irritation if not neutralized. Here’s why neutralization is essential:

1. Preventing Irritation: Hydrogen peroxide is a potent substance that can be harsh on your eyes if used in its original form. Neutralization converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, making it safe for contact with your eyes.
2. Ensuring Comfort: Proper neutralization ensures that the lenses are comfortable to wear and do not cause stinging or discomfort. This step is critical for maintaining eye health and comfort.

The Role of a Neutralizing Contact Lens Case

A neutralizing contact lens case is specially designed to facilitate the safe use of hydrogen peroxide for cleaning contact lenses. Here’s why this type of case is essential:

1. Safe Neutralization: A neutralizing case contains a built-in neutralizing disc or catalyst that reacts with the hydrogen peroxide, converting it into harmless substances. This process ensures that the lenses are free from hydrogen peroxide residues when you insert them into your eyes.
2. Convenience and Efficiency: These cases are designed for easy use, allowing you to place your lenses in the case and let the neutralization process occur overnight. This convenience means you don’t have to worry about manual neutralization or additional steps.
3. Maintaining Lens Integrity: A neutralizing case helps maintain the structural integrity of your lenses. By preventing direct contact with hydrogen peroxide, the case helps to avoid potential damage to the lenses.

The Importance of Rinsing the Lenses

After the hydrogen peroxide has been neutralized, it’s crucial to rinse the lenses with a saline or another appropriate solution. Here’s why:

1. Removing Residuals: Even after neutralization, traces of hydrogen peroxide or neutralizing agents may remain on the lenses. Rinsing with saline ensures that all residues are thoroughly removed, providing a final cleanse before the lenses are inserted.
2. Ensuring Comfort: Saline solutions are designed to match the natural tear film of the eye, helping to ensure that the lenses are comfortable and compatible with your eyes.
3. Preparing for Insertion: Rinsing with saline also helps to ensure that the lenses are properly hydrated and ready for insertion, reducing the risk of dryness or discomfort.

Hydrogen peroxide is an effective cleaning agent for rigid gas permeable lenses, offering excellent disinfection and removal of deposits. However, proper neutralization is essential to avoid irritation, and a specialized neutralizing contact lens case is key to ensuring this process is effective and convenient. Rinsing the lenses with saline or another appropriate solution completes the cleaning process, ensuring that your lenses are comfortable and ready for use. By understanding and following these steps, you can maintain your RGP lenses in optimal condition, promoting both eye health and visual clarity.

Products Sold by Peeq Pro: Clear Care Triple Action (hydrogen peroxide), Unique PH, Tangible Clean, and BioTrue. If you don’t see your favorite solution, let us know (info@getpeeq.com)