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.
Please note that if you have Tangible Hydra-PEG coating on your lenses, “rub cleaning” will contribute to the coating wearing off over time. For safety reasons, proper lens cleaning is important, so discuss with your lens provider the best cleaning regimen for your lenses.
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.