Contact Lenses & Care
Protein Deposits: The Good. The Bad. The Solution
Proteins are the most common form of soft (hydrophilic) contact lens deposits. If not removed, these deposits may lead to reduced lens wearing comfort, decreased visual acuity, and a general reduction in ocular health.
Protein forms on soft contact lenses in two distant states
Native Protein — is easily removed with just a simple soak (passive cleaning). Even saline can remove native protein from soft lenses.
- Transparent
- Natural (always present in tears)
- Present no significant threat to lens wearing comfort or ocular health
Denatured Protein — before ReNu MultiPlus® Multi-Purpose Solution, removal of denatured protein deposits required a separate step, using a weekly or daily enzymatic cleaner (active cleaning).
Binds strongly to the lens surface
Translucent to opaque in appearance
May reduce comfort
Generally only removed from lens with an enzymatic cleaner or daily protein
remover
May cause adverse ocular effects such as Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis
May decrease visual acuity
Other multi-purpose products which claim to remove protein deposits may not be referring to denatured protein.
