Step 1: Rub clean
Why to rub
Rub cleaning removes any grime and deposits on your lenses. Here's a recent study about rub cleaning in case you're interested.
When to rub
Daily, upon removal
Before putting them to soak in disinfection solution
Putting lenses to soak without first removing surface muck first is less effective.
Some “heavy depositor” scleral lens users may remove, clean, rinse and re-apply their lenses during the day.
How to rub
Place lens in palm of hand
Place one drop on outside surface, rub for 15 seconds
Repeat for inner surface
Do not rub lens between your fingers - it may warp!
What to rub with
Ask your provider for a specific recommendation, and ask for a backup recommendation as well in case of any difficulty finding the first. Following are practical tips to understand your options.
If your lenses have Hydra-PEG coating, make sure to use a Hydra-PEG compatible solution. Note: While Clear Care is compatible and can, technically, be used for rub cleaning, it is not as popular for this use due to its lower viscosity.
If your lenses do not have Hydra-PEG coating, you have more options, including “red-cap” solutions Miraflow or Sereine Extra Strength Daily Cleaners. These are alcohol-based solutions and popular amongst “heavy depositor” scleral lens users.
RINSE THOROUGHLY
If you are using Clear Care or another hydrogen peroxide system, make sure to thoroughly rinse off any cleaning or multi-purpose solution that you have used for the “rub” step. If you don’t, it can react with the peroxide and cause it to bubble up out of the case, leaving insufficient solution in the case for thoroughly disinfection.
NO WATER RINSING
No matter how much you might prefer that “squeaky clean” sort of feeling that a water rinse seems to give, do not give in to the temptation. Rinse with saline only. Acanthamoeba keratitis may be rare, but it’s terribly devastating when it does happen, and simply not worth the risk.
Why can’t I find _____?
Sadly, many years have passed since the last time a major contact lens solution manufacturer offered an extra strength (alcohol-based) “red cap” cleaning solution. The market is just too small and the products petered out. The last one to go was Lobob, in 2019.
However, there are a few diehards still being manufactured in small quantities.
They may have weird labels, they may be found on weird websites, they may be unavailable a lot of the time, and they may even include obsolete instructions. But they still have a strong following, particularly amongst scleral lens users, because they work better.
If your provider recommends one of these solutions for you, keep a good supply of it in case of shortages.