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If you wear contact lenses you SHOULD already know the importance of properly cleaning and disinfecting your contact lenses before and after wearing. Alas, a staggering 47% of contact lens wearers dont follow cleaning instructions properly! Colored contacts and special effect Halloween contact lenses are also no exception so if you are thinking of trying a pair, pay close attention to the cleaning instructions provided through your eye doctor and contacts manufacturer.

Cleaning is an important step that removes dirt, oil and mucus from the lens surface, as well as protein deposits and bacteria. If any one of these factors is not adequately addressed in your contact lens cleaning system, you will end up with sore, irritated eyes.

Types of Contact Lens Solution

There are two basic types of contact lens cleaning solution. Daily care systems consist of several bottles or solutions that rinse, disinfect and lubricate. These products are usually peroxide-based, require several steps in the cleaning process but are highly effective in killing bacteria. The downside is they take a little more time to use.

Multi-purpose solutions on the other hand are all-in-one products that have the disinfectants, cleaners and protein removers in the same bottle. Multi-purpose solutions are popular because they are fast and convenient. However, if you have sensitive eyes, you may find these products cause irritation or an allergic reaction (the chemicals used in them prove too harsh for your eyes). Theres also some debate in the medical community as to whether multi-purpose solution cleans and disinfects as effectively as peroxide-based cleaners. Recent recalls of popular multi-purpose contact lens cleaners (AMO Complete Moisture Plus in May 2007) attest to the problems associated with these products.

Since everyones eyes are different, the only way to know which type is best for you is to consult with your eye doctor and try out a few different ones. If you react at all, then discontinue use. For sensitive eyes, look for solutions designed for sensitive eyes with little or no preservatives.

What Causes Reactions

Generally adverse reactions to lens cleaners are caused by the preservatives they contain, but also how you handle your lenses while inserting them plays a part. You should put your contacts in BEFORE applying makeup or hairspray or using any hand lotions.

Another no-no is topping up old solution with new product, or simply rinsing your contact lens case with water instead of disinfecting with the proper solution.

Complete contact lens solutions such as Healthy Eyes Multi Purpose Solution contains a natural formulation with natural plant substrates. The online retailer, Coastal Contacts states that it creates a "comfort cushion" around your contact lenses, making insertion noticeably more comfortable. Other complete solutions include AquaRefresh Multi-Purpose Solution, Renu Multiplus Solution from Bausch & Lomb. Peroxide-based cleaners include AOSEPT Clear Care.

Leanne Tremblay is a successful freelance technical writer and publisher of several successful web sites. She also writes numerous articles on gardening, outdoor living, and work-at-home topics, and publishes a site on colored contact lenses that features luscious new color contacts from brand names like Acuvue colored contacts and wild crazy eye contact lenses for Halloween and special events.