Why Do Contacts Seem Dirty From Gunk on Eyes?

Contact lenses, when properly maintained, can provide the wearer with clear vision. Sometimes, however, improper cleaning, a dirty storage container, infection or eye secretions can cause the lenses to become dirty.

Composition

• Contact lenses, whether rigid, gas-permeable or soft, are made from plastic. All but rigid lenses allow oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea. The composition of the contacts' material causes debris to adhere to them.

Deposits from Tears

• The contact lens clinic at uihealthcare.com reports that our tears are made up of calcium, protein and lipids, which are fats, oils and waxes that are insoluble in water. These adhere to contact lenses.

Water Content

• Contact lenses containing more water, such as soft contact lenses, wash away some of the residue found on the eye. Different types of deposits, though, are attracted to different lenses. Consult your eye physician to determine the cause of your deposits.

Infections

• Another cause for dirty residue on contact lenses is discharge from the eye due to infection. Conjunctivitis, for example, causes matter to build up on the surface of the eye and eyelashes.

Prevention/Solution

• Many infections and dirty deposits on contact lenses can be avoided by carefully cleaning lenses before each insertion into the eye. Lens cases, too, must be washed weekly with soap and water and air-dried to prevent contamination.