Question on Protein Removal

[Michael P]

I seem to remember some 30+ years ago being told to let my RGP's soak in the protein removal solution for 4 hours which I have done to varying degrees ever since.
I use Amiclair protein removal tablets and i have just noticed that the instructions now say to leave the lenses in the solution overnight.
Does it actually matter how long the lenses are left in the solution or could the lenses be damaged if left in too long?
My wearing time has reduced to no more than two weeks in recent years which I suspect is due to use of computers and perhaps leaving the lenses to soak overnight will help to reduce discomfort.
Any thoughts on this will be appreciated.

[Andrew MacLean]

I alwasy used to soak my lenses overnight, really because it was convenient for them to be soaking while i was asleep.

I could never see well enough to read the impossibly small tuype on the instructions leaflet.

Andrew

[jayuk]

I was once told that the reason why they say not to leave them overnight was due to the active ingredient/chemical in the tablet and its possible affects on the lens material.....but it would not surprise me if this has changed in the recent years due to the evolvement of lens material

[Lynn White]

Amiclairs are certainly OK to leave over night - I do with my own lenses!

[Michael P]

Ok thanks.
If I leave the lenses in protein remover overnight, in the morning I would then use the Boston cleaning solution followed by saline.
However I believe the lenses should then be left in the soaking solution for 6 hours after using the cleaning solution which means I should not wear the lenses straight away.
Lynn, do you wear spare lenses in the morning or do you have a different regime?

[GarethB]

Michael,

I use the Bausch & Lomb (Makers of Boston solutions) FizziClean protein remover.

These say soak lenses for at least 15 minutes, a longer soak time may be more effective but no more than 12 hours.

After soaking wash all traces of FizziClean away and disinfect lenses as directed by your eye care practioner.

As I use the Boston Advance for at least six hours.

To get a good weekly lens clean I do them at the weekend and go the day without lenses. Gives the old eyes a day off too. Not always possible with work and competitions so the lenses get a short soak in the veneing. Lenses out as soon as I am back from work and remove lenses from protein remover when I go to bed so they get at least a 2 hour soak.

Hope this helps.

Gareth

[Amarpal]

I also leave my lenses with protein remover tablets overnight.

I actually put the remover tablet into the disinfecting solution instead if saline- I have checked with my opthamologist and shes says that is fine, but I would check the instructions ifrst. Some solutions can be used with protein removal like Total Care by AMO. I am not sure about others though. I have been using Asda's disinfecting/conditioning solution recently and have been using it to dissolve my protein removal tablets and all seems fine. And it means I don't have to leave them for a further number of hours to disinfect- just a clean with my daily cleaner, rinse off with the saline, bit of lubrication, and straight into the eyes!

[Andrew MacLean]

I used Total. It was so liberating not to hve to fuss with several bottles. I used LC65 as my protein remover and Bausch and Lomb as my daily cleaner.

I tried Bausch and Lomb soaking/wetting but it was too viscose for me.

All in all the regime with which I settled suited me. I guess that may be one of the mose important factors: we are more likely to stick to a regime that fits our lifestyle.

Andrew

[GarethB]

Sometimes we have to be prepared to adapt our life styles to our sight requirments depending on what solutions we can tolerate.

Looked at other manufacturers instructions on the net, some say use the disinfecting solution to use with protein tablets and never mention saline. Others specify rinsing with saline and using that for the disinfection process.

Despite the small print on these instructions, it is important to follow the manufacturers instructions.

[Lynn White]

Michael..

I put my lenses and tablet in a peroxide system and put them in after overnight soak. Sometimes I resoak in saline for about ten minutes before insertion, sometimes not.

As Gareth says, you have to follow manufacturers recommendations and also bear in mind your own sensitivity.

Lynn