Ortho-K Lens Solutions: How to Clean and Store Lenses

Have you ever wondered if you’re cleaning and storing your Ortho-K lenses properly? Orthokeratology, which relies on specialized rigid gas permeable lenses to reshape the cornea while you sleep are a marvel of modern eye care. But improper use of Ortho-K lens solutions for cleaning and storage may lead to serious eye infections, resulting in long-term vision issues.

Let me introduce myself. I’m Dr. Jotinder Khosla, an optometrist at Optometrist Parramatta. I have a special interest in orthokeratology and I’ve seen firsthand how Ortho-K lenses can offer hope against the tide of myopia affecting our youth.

So in this blog post, let’s cover some best practices for keeping your lenses in top condition, and avoiding any complications to your ocular health.

Daily and Monthly Ortho-K Lens Cleaning Routines

The main goal of daily cleaning is to remove daily accumulations of dirt, bacteria, and tear film components from the lenses to prevent infections and maintain clear vision.

Daily Cleaning Routine:

Process:

Hand Washing and Drying: Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to eliminate germs, oils, and any particles. After washing, dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent any transfer of fibers to the lenses or eyes, which could lead to discomfort or infection.
Applying Daily Cleaner: Place the lens on the palm of your hand and apply a recommended lens cleaner specifically designed for Ortho-K lenses. Using the pad of your finger, gently massage the lens in a circular pattern. This manual action aids in dislodging any build-up from the lens surface, enhancing the cleaning efficacy.
Rinsing the Lenses: After the cleaning process, thoroughly rinse each lens with a sterile saline solution. This step ensures the removal of the cleaning solution along with any detached debris, preparing the lens for safe insertion into the eye or for overnight soaking.
Soaking the Lenses: Put the lenses into a disinfecting basket and submerge the lenses in a hydrogen peroxide-based solution for a minimum of 6 hours. Hydrogen peroxide is formulated to kill bacteria and other pathogens, ensuring the lenses are hygienic for the next use.

Frequency: Performed every time the lenses are removed, typically every morning.

An additional monthly routine targets the removal of protein deposits and other stubborn residues that can accumulate over time, which might not be fully addressed by daily cleaning. This helps maintain lens comfort, effectiveness, and longevity.

Monthly Cleaning Routine:

Process:

Initial Hand Washing and Lens Rinsing: Begin with the same foundational steps as your daily routine: thorough hand washing with soap and water, followed by drying with a lint-free towel.
Rinse With Saline: Each lens should be rinsed with a sterile saline solution to remove any superficial dirt and debris.
Applying a Protein Removal Solution: Use a specialized enzyme cleaner and lens basket designed for dissolving protein deposits that have built up on the lens surface over the course of the month. The soaking time for lenses in protein removal enzymes can vary depending on the specific product you’re using. Typically, the time can range from 15 minutes to 30 minutes for quick-cleaning formulas, and up to 12 hours for slower acting formulas. It’s important to check the instructions for each product.
Rinsing Post-Protein Removal: Following the enzyme soak, remove and rinse the lenses meticulously with saline solution. This ensures that all traces of the protein removal solution, along with loosened deposits, are completely cleared from the lens surface. This step is crucial for preventing any potential irritation that could occur if enzyme solution remnants were to come into contact with the eyes. Discard the used enzyme soaking liquid.
Regular Cleaning and Disinfecting: Proceed with the standard cleaning and disinfecting routine, which includes a minimum 6 hour soak in a hydrogen peroxide solution. This dual approach—combining deep cleaning with daily maintenance—helps maintain the highest level of lens hygiene and functionality.
Replace Lens Case Regularly: Given the risk of bacterial and fungal growth over time, replace the lens case every 3 months or immediately if any signs of wear, damage, or contamination are observed. Regular replacement is a simple yet effective measure to prevent eye infections and ensure that your lens storage environment remains as clean as the lenses themselves.

Frequency: Conducted once a month or as recommended by the optometrist, in addition to the daily cleaning and disinfecting routine.

Watch the following video for a demonstration of how to use Ortho-K lens solutions for regular lens maintenance. Keep in mind that different brands are sold in Australia (see below).

Ortho-K Lens Solutions (Sold in Australia)

Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Solutions:

– AOSept Plus: A hydrogen peroxide cleaning system recommended for its effective sterilization capabilities.

– Soleko Platinum: Another hydrogen peroxide solution, noted for its strong sterilization.

Protein Remover Solutions:

– Menicon Progent: Good for monthly deep cleaning to remove protein deposits.

Saline Solutions:

– Bausch & Lomb Sensitive Eyes Saline Solution: Widely recognized for gentle formula suitable for rinsing contact lenses.

– Alcon Saline Solution: A leading brand in eye care, offering a range of products including saline solutions

Eye Drops:

– Hylo Forte: Preservative-free, recommended for inserting lenses and relieving dry eyes.

– Hylo Fresh: Another preservative-free option, suitable for lens insertion and general eye lubrication.

Type of Solution	Ortho-K Lens Solution Usage Guidelines
Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaning Solutions	After each use, replenish with fresh solution for each cleaning cycle. The bottle itself should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, usually every month or two, or when finished.
Protein Remover Solutions	These solutions are typically used on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the specific product and the amount of protein buildup. The bottle should be replaced as per the manufacturer’s instructions, generally every month or when depleted.
Saline Solutions	Opened saline solutions should be discarded 30 days after opening or by the expiration date on the bottle, whichever comes first.
Eye Drops	Preservative-free eye drops in single-use vials should be used immediately upon opening and discarded after use. Multi-use bottles should be replaced 30 days after opening or by the expiration date, whichever comes first.

The DO’s And DON’T’s Of Orthokeratology Lens Wear

Here’s a concise list of the do’s and don’ts for Ortho-K contact lens wear, cleaning, storage, and use to ensure optimal performance and eye health:

Do wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your Ortho-K lenses to prevent the transfer of bacteria and contaminants.
Do follow a regular cleaning routine, including daily cleaning, rinsing, and storing your lenses in a proper disinfecting solution overnight.
Do replace your lens case regularly, at least every three months, to reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Do ensure lenses are fully soaked in disinfecting solution for the recommended time (usually at least 6 hours) to effectively sterilize them before use.
Do apply lubricating eye drops if recommended by your optometrist, especially before inserting and after removing the lenses, to aid comfort.
Do inspect your lenses for any damage or wear before each use and replace them as recommended by your eye care professional.
Don’t skip the protein removal step in your cleaning routine, typically done monthly, to prevent build-up that can affect lens comfort and clarity.
Don’t wear your lenses longer than recommended by your optometrist, and never wear them if you’re experiencing discomfort, redness, or irritation in your eyes.
Don’t wear make up while inserting contact lenses as you may be introducing irritants to your eyes.
Don’t touch the tip of the solution bottle as it may lead to contamination.
Don’t touch your eyes with the tip of the eye drop applicator as it may also lead to contamination.
Don’t reuse lens cleaning solutions. Discard immediately after you’ve finished each cleaning routine.
NEVER use tap water to rinse or store your Ortho-K lenses, as it can harbor microorganisms that may lead to infections.

CONCLUSION

Selecting the right Ortho-K lens solutions and adopting common best practices can significantly improve the lifetime of your lenses and make for a more comfortable wearing experience. Take charge of your eye health now by booking an appointment. Let us guide you to the perfect Ortho-K care routine tailored just for you.

To make an appointment, give us a call at 02 9891 2020 or click the “Book Online” button on our website.

Dr Jotinder Khosla – Optometrist

B.Optom (UNSW), CertOcTher (UNSW) Therapeutically Endorsed Optometrist

Member of the Orthokeratology Society of Oceania