Cleaning solutions and lens

From: Den

Comments

Just recently I've started wearing contacts again, and I find that the cost of the solutions for soaking is prohibitive. Previously I had access to saline solutions such as hospitals use, but I can't seem to find a source for this, so I've been searching for other alternatives. I did find some sterile purified water, which I've been using for rinsing; it's much cheaper than using the Renu, which I soak them in at night. I have several questions...

1) Is the purified water alright for rinsing? If not, why not?

2) Does anyone know a source of saline solutions suitable for contacts other than the traditional retailers, such as Boots or opticians?

The next bit is about lens...

I saw on your site the 'crazy' lens... where would one find someone who sells those? Are they for normal-sighted people only, or are they available for those needing prescriptions as well?

Thanks for your help!

Re: The dangers of saline solutions

From: Contactlenses.co.uk

Comments

Hi Den,

There has been a lot of press recently over the serious eye infection caused by the protozoan Acanthamoeba.

In addition there are inreasing reports of stromal keratitis and ulceration in patients using home - made saline due to the presence of acanthamoeba in tap water.

Saline made by this method is not sterile, and indeed neither is purified nor distilled water. It is definately not recommended and puts you at great risk of serious eye infection, possibly sight treatening.

Your Optician has put you on a particular care system for the very good reason that it works, and if used correctly, you would be unlikely to get an eye infection. I am sure that if he knew that you were not using the system as specified, that he would remove the lenses from you.

On a lighter note, Crazy Lenses can be supplied both in Plano and prescription form and should be able to be supplied by your current Optician.

Regards,

Contactlenses.co.uk

Re: The dangers of saline solutions

From: Den

Comments

I'm not talking about home-made saline solutions. I thought I made that clear by asking if anyone knew a distribution source for them. Nor would I use anything but sterile purified water, which is what I have now, acquired from a chemist.

I don't mean to be testy, but I did ask you some quite specific questions, none of which have been answered. Could you do that now, please?

Frustrated...

Den

Re: How safe is sterile?

From: Contactlenses.co.uk

Comments

Den,

I am not personally aware of a source of saline outside of the traditional outlets.

In relation to the sterile purified water that you currently use. I am interested in how it is sterilized, i.e. what method, and how you keep it 'sterile' when it has been opened?

With regards to home made saline - I realise that you do not use this dangerous method of cleaning your lenses. However, this is a public forum, and sometimes we have to address the wider issues.

Regards,

Contactlenses.co.uk

Re: Cleaning solutions and lens

From: D. Nelson, Optician

Comments

Den, Contactlenses.co.uk was right the first time. Unless you have a really thorough knowledge of these care systems, substituting salines not intended for contact lens use is playing with fire. Salines have different classifications, and many are not compatable with disinfecting solutions. In my practice, I see the results of "non-compliance" often enough to stress to you the importance of useing a single system, and following directions to the letter. If one of my patients insisted on useing the type of system you describe, I would advise him/her to obtain their lenses elsewhere.

Also - saline or tap water

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