Ultrasonic contact lens cleaning?

November 17, 2007 6:24 PM

Ultrasonic cleaning for disposable contact lenses: good idea or not?

This goes for about $15 (plus shipping).

posted by acro to health (7 comments total)

Ultrasonic cleaning got my lenses feeling like new. I recommend it. I am still wearing the same "disposable" lenses after two years.
posted by kindall at 6:27 PM on November 17, 2007

Looks reasonable to me. Ultrasound is quite safe, and will help dislodge tiny particles that might not come off in normal washing.
posted by TeatimeGrommit at 6:29 PM on November 17, 2007

I'll go for it and report back. Thanks for the answers.
posted by acro at 6:33 PM on November 17, 2007

meh, for the few cleanings you should give them prior to disposal won't your fingers suffice? Ultrasonics are good for things you can't reach like crevices. A big flat lens surface - who needs it, unless you are too lazy to put it between your fingers for a good rub.
posted by caddis at 7:19 PM on November 17, 2007

As I understand it, protein eventually binds to the 'plastic' of disposable contact lenses, which is why we have to dispose of them. These enzyme removing cleaners help for a while, but do not prevent protein binding. This is not precisely my field, but I am not certain how ultrasonics will break these bonds, and I am unable to find a scientific study that evaluates these claims.

Personally, I think you only get one set of eyes, why take the chance?
posted by Comrade_robot at 7:05 AM on November 18, 2007

The disposable contact lenses are exactly the same as doctors used to prescribe a single pair for wearing every day for a year -- maybe slightly thinner. There's no reason not to clean them thoroughly and continue wearing them.
posted by kindall at 11:47 AM on November 19, 2007

Two month update... I've had a LensoClean for about two months now, and... underwhelmed. The extra handling that the lenses get going into and out of the basket holder, combined with the unhygienic recommendation by the manufacturer not to wash the device are weak points IMO. The results achieved reflect the lack of power of the device (~8W) versus higher powered light industrial devices.
posted by acro at 10:45 AM on January 25