A Guide To Cleaning Contacts With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent choice for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storing contact lenses. It also happens to be a great alternative for contact lens wearers sensitive to the preservatives found in multi-purpose solutions. In addition, hydrogen peroxide is extremely effective as an Acanthomoeba killer. We offer you a short guide to cleaning contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide, courtesy of EyeHealthWeb.com.

The article starts with the warning that hydrogen peroxide on its own can be harmful to the eyes, causing stinging, burning and corneal damage. This means that contact lens wearers must use a neutraliser after the disinfecting process. The job of the neutraliser is to turn the peroxide into oxygen and water so that the wearer can safely put the lenses back into his or her eyes.

When it comes to cleaning contacts with hydrogen peroxide, people can choose between two options: a one-step or a two-step process. The first involves neutralising the lenses during the disinfecting stage, while the second requires neutralising after the disinfection.

The one-step process is a very simple affair when a person has a storage case with a built-in neutraliser. Those who do not have such cases must add a neutralising tablet, in other words, go for the two-step alternative. This process involves placing the lenses in the basket for rinsing, with the basket then put in the case or cup with hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect the lenses. Rinsing the contacts before putting them on is a must regardless of the option chosen by the wearer, EyeHealthWeb.com has warned.