Synonyms in a broader sense
Adhesive lenses, adhesive shells, adhesive lenses, glasses engl. : contact lensesWhen taking care of contact lenses, extremely hygienic and thorough procedures should be followed to prevent corneal infections and damage. Before handling the lenses or contact with the eyes, hands should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water.
The lenses must always be kept in the appropriate care solution when not in use. For soft lenses this should be a so-called all-in-one solution, for hard lenses a cleaning solution with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can also be used. Both methods disinfect and clean the lenses and should be used daily.
The all-in-one solution is a care product that can be used for cleaning, storage and wetting. Solutions containing hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, clean and disinfect very well, but before using the lenses it is essential to rinse them with a neutral solution, otherwise the cornea can be painfully damaged. Sterile saline solution is also suitable for wetting or short-term storage, but this does not disinfect or clean the lenses.
Under no circumstances should self-mixed solutions, tap water or mineral water be used to store or moisten the lenses. Non-sterile water (including distilled water) always contains bacteria, viruses and amoebas. Amoebae are unicellular microorganisms that are not normally dangerous to humans.
However, if they enter the eye with a contact lens, they can cause an inflammation of the cornea that is difficult to treat. This often leads to blindness and can only be treated with a corneal transplant. Even when swimming, daily disposable lenses should be used to prevent infection of the eye with amoebae or bacteria.
To prevent the contact lens container from becoming a source of infection, it must be cleaned and disinfected weekly. This can be done well in the dishwasher or with a surface disinfectant. Afterwards it should be rinsed out with an all-in-one solution or sterile saline solution so that no residues of dishwashing detergent or disinfectant get into the eyes.
