Lipids

mayibfrank · #1 (**permalink**) 11-27-2007, 05:29 PM

I was doing some research into Accuvue Advance contact lenses. I heard that they are prone to something called "lipid deposition." What is that? Is it harmful?

OptixWizard · #2 (**permalink**) 01-15-2008, 10:32 AM

Lipids are waxy compounds found in living cells. They form the outermost layer of moisture on the eye. Since lipids are waxy or oily, they act to keep the eye moist by reducing evaporation. Since contact lenses ride on this lipid layer, some of it is bound to stick to them. This is natural and not harmful, although if these deposits accumulate, the contact lens will be uncomfortable to wear. All you have to do is clean the Acuvue Advance contact or replace it if you've been wearing it for about two weeks and you're good to go.

mayibfrank · #3 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptixWizard

Lipids are waxy compounds found in living cells. They form the outermost layer of moisture on the eye. Since lipids are waxy or oily, they act to keep the eye moist by reducing evaporation. Since contact lenses ride on this lipid layer, some of it is bound to stick to them. This is natural and not harmful, although if these deposits accumulate, the contact lens will be uncomfortable to wear. All you have to do is clean the Acuvue Advance contact or replace it if you've been wearing it for about two weeks and you're good to go.

Okay, that's great Optix Wizard. Thank you for taking the time to explain all that.

LeeRoberts · #4 (**permalink**) 11-17-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptixWizard

Lipids are waxy compounds found in living cells. They form the outermost layer of moisture on the eye. Since lipids are waxy or oily, they act to keep the eye moist by reducing evaporation. Since contact lenses ride on this lipid layer, some of it is bound to stick to them. This is natural and not harmful, although if these deposits accumulate, the contact lens will be uncomfortable to wear. All you have to do is clean the Acuvue Advance contact or replace it if you've been wearing it for about two weeks and you're good to go.

Thanks for your help, OptixWizard. That was a good explanation of what lipids are and why contact lens wearers should be concerned with them.