How to Remove Calcium From Contact Lenses

Proteins, lipids and calcium occur naturally in eye tears and can leave deposits on contact lenses. These deposits make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable and can lead to eye infections. Calcium deposits are less common than the other two substances, and also can be more difficult to remove, especially if not tackled promptly. Disposable lenses are a good option for people who develop calcium deposits on their contacts, as explained by the Sacramento Contact Lenses & Optometry website, but there are a few methods to remove a calcium deposit on your current lenses.

Things You'll Need

• Contact lens enzyme tablets
• Contact lens cleaning solution
• Electronic cleaning system
• Thermal disinfection system

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Instructions

• 1

  Soak your contact lenses in an enzyme tablet solution, as listed by AllAboutVision.com. Since many manufacturers have eliminated this treatment in favor of the more convenient disinfectant solutions, you may have never used enzyme tablets. Follow directions included in the package, which usually involve dissolving the tablets in a specific lens solution in a lens case, and then soaking the lenses for a minimum of eight hours.

• 2

  Use an electronic cleaning system, another device recommended by AllAboutVision. This type of system removes deposits through ultrasound waves or subsonic agitation, and then uses ultraviolet rays to destroy any microorganisms. If calcium deposits still remain, manually rub the lens with the solution that comes with the cleaning system.

• 3

  Use thermal disinfection to remove deposits from your contact lenses, a method explained by ContactLensAnswers.com. Because this method can damage some types of soft contacts, be sure to ask your doctor first if you can clean your contacts this way. Like enzyme tablets, thermal disinfection is another method that has mostly been replaced with chemical disinfecting solutions, but some people still prefer it. If your eye doctor gives you the go-ahead, look for a new heat unit at online stores or ask your friends and family members if they have one you can use. Follow the directions that come with the unit.