Strategies For Removing Stubborn Deposits From RGP Contact Lenses

7 November 2014

Jaime Allen

You chose rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses instead of soft lenses because they provide clearer vision and because they tend to be more comfortable for people with dry eyes. The only problem you're having is the buildup of "gunk" along the edges that regular cleaning doesn't remove. The lenses are starting to feel a bit gritty after you wear them for a few hours.

Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to effectively get those deposits off the lenses.

Contact Lenses & Debris Buildup

Don't despair of wearing RGP lenses and having to switch to soft contacts. RGP lenses actually are more resistant to deposits than soft lenses are. Soft lenses contain water, which attracts protein and fats from your natural tears. People with dry eyes tend to have more problems with protein and lipid deposits on their contacts. 

You could use disposable soft contacts, as then you'd be throwing away the lenses before any debris accumulates. However, you'd also sacrifice some vision clarity, and those lenses might make your dry eye problems worse because soft contacts dehydrate.

What you really need is an effective method for keeping your RGP lenses clean.

Regular Cleaning

A thorough cleaning of your contacts every day minimizes the accumulation of protein and lipid deposits around the edges. You may need to experiment with some different daily contact lens cleansers to find one that works best for you. Don't just go with the one your best friend uses. 

It's important for your hands to be clean before you clean your lenses. Otherwise, dirt and oil from your fingers can adhere to the contacts. 

Products That Tackle Stubborn Deposits

Enzymatic cleaners are good at removing proteins and fats from RGP lenses. Some products involve placing a dissolving tablet in saline solution and soaking your lenses for a certain length of time. Others are liquid solutions that you add to your storage case while the lenses are soaking. You'll probably have good results if you use an enzymatic cleaner at least once each week.

An Optician Also Can Help

Bring your contacts to an optometry clinic every six months and have an optician polish them with specialized equipment. There may be a minimal charge for this, but the professional work is well worth it. You'll likely be amazed at how comfortable your lenses are after a professional polishing -- you'll completely forget you're even wearing them. The technique not only eliminates protein and lipid deposits, but any tiny scratches that may have developed. 

Concluding Thoughts

With specific attention to removing deposits that accumulate on the edges of your contact lenses, you'll have renewed comfort with them. For best results, combine at-home strategies with occasional professional polishing. For more help, try contacting a company like Elk Grove Optometry with any questions you might have.

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