Is it necessary to use protein remover tablets in additions to my normal daily cleaning procedure?

The need to use protein remover tablets depends on the amount of protein deposits your eyes produce and how often you replace your lenses. Protein deposits are normal. But as they age, they can change in chemical composition, contributing to discomfort and poor vision or leading to allergies. Regardless of your lens replacement schedule, however, daily cleaning is important for eye health. Consult your eye care practitioner for the best advice regarding your replacement and cleaning schedules.

Weekly enzyme cleaning helps keep soft lenses free from deposits of protein naturally produced in your eyes and carried by your tears. Lately, solutions are available, which eliminate the need for enzyme cleaning as well. Soft extended-wear contacts are the most likely to have protein build-up and cause lens-related allergies. Soft daily-wear lenses are less likely to create problems. Rigid gas-permeable lenses may be good choices for someone with allergies, as less protein is deposited on the lenses. If these deposits become a problem, your eye care practitioner may recommend a type of contact lens that you replace more frequently. Depending on the replacement frequency, using a protein remover in addition to your daily cleaning regimen may not be necessary.

The type of care contact lenses require, and how long they should be worn, is something each eye care professional will prescribe for each patient. Personal wear and care regimens may depend upon the type of contact prescribed, the nature of the vision problem being corrected, and the individual’s unique eye chemistry. Regardless of the type of lens you wear, you will find that lens care is now easier and more convenient than ever before.