Can contact lenses be used as eye drops?

The use of contact lenses, aka contact lenses, must be accompanied by regular use of eye drops so that the eyes do not become irritated. However, sometimes you may forget to bring eye drops and only have contact lens cleaner. So, in a situation like this, can I use soft lens to clean the eyes? Check out the following article to find out the answer.

The difference between soft lenses and eye drops

At first glance, contact lenses and eye drops are similar. Both also function as moisturizers. It's just that, soft lens cleaners and eye drops are intended to moisturize two different things so that the ingredients are not the same.

Contact lenses are prone to getting dirty due to the body's natural oils, skin cells, germs, and residue makeup . Dirty contact lenses that are used repeatedly can lead to dangerous infections, especially on the cornea that is directly attached to this product.

Therefore, every contact lens wearer needs soft lens fluids and eye drops to prevent this risk. However, first identify the difference between soft lens fluids and the following eye drops.

Softlens fluid

Softlens are basically chemical solutions that are produced commercially as part of contact lens treatment. The constituent ingredients consist of a preservative, buffer solution, binder, and wetting agent. Its function is none other than disinfection, sanitation, and cleaning the contact lens.

The combination of these substances can get rid of bacteria and dirt that has accumulated on the contact lens. It is also the safest storage area for contact lenses, even for a long period of time.

In general, there are two types of contact lens fluid that are often used, namely multipurpose solution and hydrogen peroxide-based system .

Multipurpose solution

Multipurpose solution is a cleaning fluid that will perform with thorough care including cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and soaking the lens.

To use it, it is enough to give a few drops multipurpose solution on the contact lens and wipe gently for a few seconds. After that, save the contact lens in the liquid contact lens that has been replaced.

Hydrogen peroxide-based system (HPB)

Meanwhile, HPB has a function that is more or less the same as a multipurpose solution. The difference is, HPB contact lenses cannot be used directly and may be less practical when compared to other types of fluids.

The reason is, you will need a special tool to store contact lenses which also works as a neutralizer of substances in the HPB fluid that can harm the eye.

Eye drops

Eye drops are useful for treating dry or irritated eyes due to exposure to wind, heat, and cold temperatures. This drug is also often used to moisturize the eyes after a long period of reading or using a computer, as well as due to the effects of certain drugs.

Common ingredients found in eye drops include carboxymethylcellulose, hypromellose, and polyethylene glycol 400. These will keep your eyes moist and protect them from the risk of infection or injury.

Can contact lenses be used for eye drops?

Not a few use contact lens cleaning fluid as well as emergency eye drops when eye drops are not available. However, using soft lens as eye drops is not recommended. The reason is still related to the content of the soft lens.

The content in contact lens cleaning fluid is intended to kill germs. Therefore, the chemicals in it are toxic to living cells, including eye cells. This is why the contact fluid should only be used to store and clean the contact lens.

In contrast to ordinary eye drops, preservatives in contact lenses also have a similar effect on the eye. You may not feel the impact if you only use soft lens fluid occasionally, but if this habit is carried out continuously, the eye is at risk of long-term inflammation (uveitis).

If your eyes always feel dry or uncomfortable when wearing contact lenses, it's best to solve this problem first before you wear it regularly again. Try using drops for dry eyes regularly until dry eye complaints are reduced.

Tips for using soft lenses so that your eyes don't dry out

Dry eyes are indeed a common complaint for contact lens users, especially if you do not treat contact lenses properly. Fortunately, there are a few tips you can do so that your eyes don't dry out due to contact lenses. The following include:

1. Carefully choose softlens material

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, soft lenses can be divided into two types, namely hard and soft lenses. If the contact lens you are using always causes discomfort, the problem could be with the contact lens material.

Softlens with a hard material are usually made specifically for people with irregular corneas. However, hard lenses usually dry more easily, so you should regularly wet them with soft lens fluid and use eye drops.

Meanwhile, soft lenses are more suitable for people who have dry eyes. This product may also be suitable for those of you who always feel uncomfortable when wearing contact lenses.

2. Pay attention to the diameter and water content of the contact lens

Lens diameter varies widely, ranging from 9, 15, to 22 millimeters. The water content in the contact lens also ranges from 38-70 percent. When buying contact lenses, make sure you pay attention to the diameter and moisture content so that the eyes feel comfortable.

Large contact lenses will block oxygen from entering the eye, making it easier for the eyes to feel dry. Softlens with a high water content also lose water quickly so they are not suitable for those of you with dry eyes.

3. Replacing the soft lens

Sometimes eye problems don't come from your contact lenses, but the cleaning fluid they get. Some types of contact lens fluid contain substances that cause red and irritated eyes, so you should regularly use eye drops.

In addition, there are also types of contact lenses that are not suitable for the contact lenses you are using. If used continuously, contact lenses can be damaged and have an impact on the health of your eyes.

Contact lenses are an effective vision aid, but they can also cause side effects in the form of dry eyes and discomfort. When these complaints arise, the best way to deal with them is to use eye drops.

Although at first glance they look similar, contact lens fluid has a different substance and function than eye drops. These ingredients can even trigger other side effects that are worse. So, make sure you only use eye drops and not soft lenses for the health of your eyes.