GP Care: A Multi-Solution Approach
Unlike soft contact lens care, which typically uses a single multipurpose solution, GP lens care requires multiple separate solutions, each performing a specific function. This multi-step approach ensures thorough cleaning, proper disinfection, and optimal lens surface conditioning for comfortable, clear wear.
The Daily Care Routine
Step 1: Daily Cleaner
The daily cleaner is a surfactant-based solution used to physically remove deposits from the lens surface. After removing each lens:
- Place the lens in the palm of your hand
- Apply several drops of daily cleaner to each lens surface
- Gently rub the lens between the fingertip and palm in a back-and-forth motion for 20-30 seconds
- Clean both the front and back surfaces
- Rinse thoroughly with conditioning solution or saline (never water)
The mechanical rubbing, combined with the surfactant cleaner, removes protein deposits, lipid films, mucin, and environmental debris that accumulate during wear. This step is critical for maintaining lens wettability and comfort.
Step 2: Disinfecting/Conditioning Solution
After cleaning and rinsing, the lens is placed in a conditioning and disinfecting solution for overnight storage:
- Provides antimicrobial disinfection during the soaking period
- Conditions the lens surface for improved wettability when worn
- Contains wetting agents that help the tear film spread evenly over the lens surface
- Maintains lens hydration during storage
The lens should soak for a minimum of 4-6 hours (overnight is standard) to ensure adequate disinfection.
Step 3: Insertion (Morning)
Before inserting the lens in the morning:
- Remove the lens from the conditioning solution
- Rinse with fresh conditioning solution or saline
- Some patients may apply additional wetting drops to the lens surface before insertion for enhanced initial comfort
- Insert the lens onto the eye
Lab Cleaner for New Lenses
New GP lenses arriving from the laboratory may have manufacturing residues on their surfaces, including polishing compounds, pitch, and processing chemicals. A lab cleaner (also called an extra-strength cleaner or intensive cleaner) should be used before the first wear:
- These cleaners are more aggressive than daily cleaners and are designed for periodic rather than daily use
- Examples include Boston One Step Liquid Enzymatic Cleaner and Menicon Progent
- Follow the specific product instructions for soak time
- After lab cleaning, perform the normal daily cleaning and conditioning routine before dispensing
The Boston System
The Boston care system is the most widely recognized GP lens care brand. The standard system includes:
- Boston Advance Cleaner: Daily friction cleaner for removing deposits
- Boston Advance Conditioning Solution: Combined disinfection, conditioning, and storage solution
- Boston Rewetting Drops: Optional comfort drops for use during wear
- Boston One Step Liquid Enzymatic Cleaner: Weekly intensive cleaning for heavy deposit buildups
Other GP care systems include:
- Lobob products: Includes ESC (Extra Strength Cleaner) and Optimum care line
- Unique pH: A single-solution GP care system that simplifies the routine (less common)
Weekly Protein Removal
In addition to daily cleaning, periodic enzymatic cleaning may be recommended to remove protein deposits that accumulate despite daily care:
- Enzymatic cleaners (such as papain-based or subtilisin-based enzymes) break down adherent protein deposits
- Typically used weekly or as needed based on deposit accumulation
- Some systems combine enzymatic cleaning with daily conditioning (liquid enzyme added to the conditioning solution)
GP vs. Soft Lens Care Differences
| Aspect | GP Care | Soft Lens Care (MPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of solutions | 2-3 (cleaner, conditioner, optional wetting drops) | 1 (multipurpose) |
| Cleaning method | Dedicated daily cleaner + rub | MPS + rub |
| Disinfection | Conditioning solution (overnight soak) | MPS (overnight soak) |
| Lab cleaning | Required for new lenses | Not applicable |
| Lens replacement | Annual or longer | Daily to monthly |
Common Patient Errors
- Using soft lens MPS on GP lenses: Soft lens MPS is not formulated for GP materials and may not provide adequate cleaning or conditioning
- Using tap water to rinse: Water can harbor Acanthamoeba and other pathogens. Always use approved solutions
- Skipping the daily cleaner: Without mechanical cleaning, deposits accumulate rapidly on GP surfaces, reducing comfort and wettability
- Not replacing the case: GP lens cases should be replaced every 3 months, just like soft lens cases
Key Takeaways
- GP care uses separate solutions: daily cleaner, conditioning/disinfecting solution, and optional wetting drops
- Mechanical rubbing with daily cleaner is essential for deposit removal
- New lenses require lab cleaning to remove manufacturing residues before first wear
- The Boston system is the most widely used GP care system (Advance Cleaner + Advance Conditioning Solution)
- Weekly enzymatic cleaning may be needed for patients with heavy deposits
- Never use soft lens MPS, tap water, or saliva with GP lenses