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A water soluble lubricant is a sterile gel used by eye doctors during specialized diagnostic procedures. Unlike oil based lubricants, these gels can be easily rinsed away with saline. In eyewear, they are used to provide a clear optical interface between a diagnostic lens and the patient's cornea during exams like gonioscopy.
read more about water-soluble lubricant ...Oil based products are dangerous for eyewear and ocular health:
If your doctor needs to check your eye's internal drainage system or perform a retinal laser treatment, they will place a drop of water soluble lubricant on a specialized hand held lens. This gel ensures there is no air trapped between the lens and your eye, providing a clear view.
Rewetting drops are thin liquids designed for daily comfort. A water soluble medical lubricant is much thicker. Its purpose is not for long term comfort, but to act as a temporary bridge for light during a medical procedure.
Most medical lubricants are safe for occasional contact with lenses, but they should be thoroughly rinsed off diagnostic eyewear immediately after use. Residual gel can dry into a film that distorts the lens optics and attracts bacteria if the lens is not properly cleaned.
Yes. Because it is a thick gel, it will feel sticky during the exam. However, because it is water soluble, the doctor can easily rinse it away with a few drops of saline.
Petroleum jelly is oil based. It would permanently blur your vision and ruin the expensive diagnostic lenses your eye doctor uses to check your health.
Yes. Medical grade water soluble lubricants are designed to be non irritating and pH balanced to match the natural environment of the human eye.
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