enzymes

Enzymes are biological substances that can break down proteins. In lens care, they are used to remove protein deposits from contact lenses that can build up during normal use. These protein deposits mainly come from your tears and adhere to the lens surface.

Most enzyme cleaners contain proteases, enzymes that specifically target proteins. They are often supplied as tablets or concentrates and added to your usual lens cleaning or storage solution. After a certain soaking time – usually a few hours or overnight – the proteins have been loosened and you can rinse the lenses and wear them again.

Enzymes work differently from the everyday cleaning agents found in all-in-one solutions or peroxide systems. Whereas the latter mainly tackle surface dirt and lipids, enzymes target stubborn protein deposits that can become embedded deeper within the lens material.

Enzymatic cleaning used to be a standard weekly step for many lens wearers, particularly those wearing soft lenses. Nowadays, many modern lens solutions already contain mild protein removers, meaning separate enzyme treatments are required less frequently. Nevertheless, they can still be useful for lenses worn for longer periods or for people with high levels of protein in their tears.

When enzyme cleaning can be useful

Enzyme cleaning is designed to remove protein deposits that can build up despite daily cleaning. This is particularly likely to occur with monthly lenses or lenses worn for longer periods, in people with protein-rich tears, or if you notice that your lenses become cloudy or less comfortable over time.

Some opticians or optometrists recommend a weekly or fortnightly enzyme treatment to supplement your daily routine. Whether this is necessary depends on your lens type, how often you wear them and the composition of your tears.

Use and combination with other solutions

Enzyme tablets or drops are usually added to a saline solution or to your normal storage solution, depending on the instructions for use. You then leave the lenses to soak for a few hours or overnight. Afterwards, rinse the lenses thoroughly with fresh solution before putting them back in.

Please note that enzymes are not always compatible with all types of lens solution. Peroxide systems, for example, have their own mechanism of action and sometimes require a separate enzyme treatment step. Always follow the instructions for both the enzyme cleaner and your lens solution, and if in doubt, seek advice from your optician.

At SMEYEL , you’ll find lens solution and lens care products for various cleaning routines.

Modern alternatives

Many modern all-in-one solutions already contain mild enzymes or surfactants that help prevent protein deposits. As a result, separate enzyme cleaning is no longer necessary for many daily or fortnightly lenses.

Nevertheless, it remains an option for those who suffer from stubborn deposits or for those who use extended-wear lenses. Discuss with your optician or optometrist whether enzyme cleaning is appropriate in your situation.