protein remover

A protein remover is a care product designed to remove protein deposits from contact lenses. When you wear lenses, they come into contact with your tears. These tears contain proteins, fats and other substances that can adhere to the lens surface over time.

Proteins, in particular, can build up and form a film that clouds your lens and reduces comfort. A protein remover is designed to loosen and remove these deposits, so that your lens becomes clearer again.

Types and use

Protein removers come in various forms:

• Tablets: you dissolve a tablet in saline solution and leave your lenses to soak in it, usually for a few hours or overnight.
• Liquids: some products are liquid and work in a similar way, by allowing the lenses to soak in them.
• Enzymatic formulas: many protein removers contain enzymes that break down proteins, such as subtilisin or pancreatin.

Most protein removers are designed for weekly or fortnightly use, depending on how much protein build-up your lenses accumulate. This varies from person to person and is linked to the composition of your tears.

Difference from daily care

A protein remover does not replace your daily lens care routine, but complements it. Your daily all-in-one solution or peroxide system cleans and disinfects your lenses, but does not always remove all stubborn protein deposits. A protein remover is designed to provide that extra, deeper clean.

When should you use a protein remover?

You use a protein remover as a supplement to your daily lens care routine, usually once a week or once every two weeks. It is particularly useful if you notice that your lenses are becoming cloudy more quickly, feel less comfortable, or if your optician advises you to add an extra cleaning step.

People with protein-rich tears or certain eye conditions may benefit from regular use of a protein remover. If in doubt, ask your optician or optometrist for advice.

Suitable for which lenses?

Protein removers are usually designed for soft contact lenses, but there are also versions for hard (RGP) lenses. Always check that the product is suitable for your type of lens. Daily disposable lenses are thrown away after use, so you do not need to use a protein remover for them.

Combination with other solutions

You usually use a protein remover in combination with a saline solution, not with an all-in-one solution or peroxide. Always follow the product’s instructions for use. After soaking in the protein remover, rinse your lenses thoroughly and store them in your usual care solution.

At SMEYEL , you’ll find lens solution and lens care products for the daily care of your contact lenses.

Use-by date and storage

Store protein remover tablets in a cool, dry place and check the use-by date. An opened pack may become less effective over time. Do not use products that have passed their use-by date, as they may no longer work properly.