Protein Remover Solution

What is a protein remover solution?

A protein remover solution is a product that helps clean your contact lenses of protein deposits. Protein deposits get on your contacts during normal wear. Use of a protein remover solution does not kill germs or remove dirt or oils. Removing protein deposits from your contacts is one step in the cleaning process. You still need to clean and disinfect your lenses.

When is it used?

Use of a protein remover solution is most often recommended for soft contacts. But you may need to use a protein remover with gas permeable ("hard") lenses if your eye doctor recommends it. Many eye doctors recommend using a protein remover once a week.

How is it used?

Usually, you use protein remover solutions with a special lens washer unit.

First, wash your hands and dry them. Remove your lenses. Clean each lens the way you usually do, using a few drops of daily cleaner and a back-and-forth motion. Hold the lens between your thumb and forefinger, and rinse it thoroughly with sterile saline solution.

Open the lens basket and put the lens inside. Be sure the edges of the lens are entirely within the basket. Keep track of which is the right lens and which is the left. The baskets are marked to help you. Pour the protein remover solution into the cup. Then put the baskets in the cup. Lock the unit shut and gently twist the top back and forth for 30 seconds. Then let your lenses soak for at least 2 hours.

After 2 hours, carefully remove your lenses from the baskets and rub the lenses again for 30 seconds to remove loosened deposits. Hold each lens carefully and rinse it thoroughly with sterile saline solution. Rinse the cup and baskets with tap water or sterile saline. Then fill the cup with sterile saline.

Put your lenses back in the baskets and put the baskets in the cup. Twist the top back and forth for another 30 seconds. Check to see whether there are bubbles at the top. If there are, pour out the saline and put in fresh saline. Then twist the top again for 30 seconds. If you still see bubbles, change the saline again and repeat the agitation until no bubbles appear. When no bubbles appear, the protein remover is completely rinsed out of your lenses. It usually takes 2 or 3 changes of saline.

Finally, follow your regular disinfection process. Then let your lenses soak overnight in either disinfectant or saline solution.

If you have any questions about using the protein remover solution, ask your eye doctor.