Do you ever keep track of the amount of saline solution you use to soak your contact lens? If you do, you should notice the contact lens solution evaporates overnight. Have you ever wondered why & how is this happening? And also how to avoid contact lens solution evaporating?
Now that we have got your attention, read on to find out why it happens. Before that, there are some things you might really want to keep in mind as a contact lens user.
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Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
The Whys To Evaporation Process of Contact Lens Solution & Effect
Let’s face it. Liquid evaporation is inevitable. But, why is this happening?
Just like any other liquid element, contact lens solution evaporates when the climate is dry or even when the humidity level is low.
These conditions help the changing process from liquid to gas or vapour even quicker. While water evaporation is totally safe, it is a different story for contact lens solutions.
Partial evaporation can affect the efficiency of multi-purpose solutions. In other words, the leftover solution will not be able to disinfect, moisturize and store your contact lens properly.
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Therefore, it is crucial that you always keep your contact lenses in enough solutions in your contact lens cases.
Some wearers usually top off their contact lens cases with fresh solutions. Topping off means you add a fresh solution to the used solution which is already in your contact lens case. Sounds familiar?
It might seem to be cost-effective and time-saving for some. However, this practice actually reduces the effectiveness of disinfection. Hence, it will lead to unwanted eye complications and infections. So, never reuse, top off or leave used solution in your contact lens case.
Since we mentioned that liquid evaporation is unavoidable and topping off fresh solutions is not the best way to do it, how can we overcome this issue?
5 Precaution Steps That You Can Take To Avoid Evaporation Of Lens Solution
There are a number of ways to deal with this problem. Check out these five prevention methods to minimize the tendency of the contact lens solution from drying up.
1. Change The Contact Lens Solution Frequently
If you use the monthly contact lens, you need to change the solution in the case where you store your contacts every day. It doesn’t matter if you wear it just a few times and then let it sit in the case for the rest of the month. You should always replace your contact lens solutions.
If you are unable to adhere to this routine, you should switch to using a daily disposable contact lens. You must not be confused with daily contact lenses and daily disposable contact lenses.
A daily disposable contact lens means you only use it one time. It is designed to be thrown away after a single-use.
By using a daily disposable contact lens, you can eliminate the need for contact lens cleaning and disinfecting. So, you don’t have to worry about disappearing solutions in your contact lens case. You probably don’t even need a contact lens case and solutions.
2. Use Quality Contact Lens Case
There are a lot of contact lens cases in the market these days. They either come in standard case designs or in your favourite character designs. You can choose whatever design you like. However, always make sure that you choose the ones with the best quality.
Poor contact lens cases may not be able to seal well. Thus, drying out the contact lens solution when you store your contact lens in it.
Remember to check for the case’s condition. Make sure there is no breaking or cracking that may lead to leaking. Apart from that, you should always change your contact lens case frequently.
As an avid contact lens wearer, you should know how often you need to change your contact lens cases. Practically, you have to change your contact lens case at least every three months. However, it would be even better if you could change it every month.
You may think you have already sanitized and cleaned the case. However, that is not true. In fact, the longer you use the case, the more bacteria can breed in it. An unclean contact lens case may cause it to infect your contact lens and also your eyes.
3. Put The Contact Lens Case Cover Properly
You read this right. You should be covering your contact lens lid properly. This is truly a no-brainer.
However, there are times that you might be in a rush and forget to put your contact lens case lid on. Or you probably already put the case cover on, but you don’t screw or snap it properly.
Be sure that the caps are closed tightly to avoid spilling while storing your contact lens.
4. Double Seal To Prevent Contact Lens Solution Evaporate
To prevent your contact lens solution from evaporating, you may want to take extra precautions on how you store them.
The best way you can do this is by keeping your lens in an appropriate contact lens case. Then, enclose it in a zipper bag. This way you can ensure that there is a barrier between your lens case and the direct open atmosphere.
For instance, lower humidity levels and hot or dry temperatures can dry off the solution from the cases if you don’t close the case cap properly or let it lie in an open atmosphere. Alternatively, keep them in a protected lens kit if you do not have a zipper bag to store them in.
5. Store Contact Lens Case In Temperature Controlled Room
Apart from all the precautions mentioned above, you can always go the extra mile. Hot and cold weather can really affect contact lenses and contact lens solutions.
So, one of the best ways to reduce the contact lens solution from evaporating is by keeping your contact lens case in a temperature-controlled room.
You should place your contact lens case away from heat dan direct sunlight too.
Conclusion
With all that being said, you should by now, understand why your contact lens solution evaporates and how you can avoid the problem of contact lens solution evaporating.
Whatever your contact lens wearing routine is, you should always keep in mind that hygiene plays a huge part in keeping your eyes safe and healthy.
In short, play your part for a better vision. Take good care of your contact lens and your eyes.
Replenish Your Contact Lens Solution
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