Troubleshooting Deposits on Hydra-PEG Coated Lenses

Even when patients are following recommended care protocols with Tangible Clean and monthly Tangible Boost, some Hydra-PEG-coated scleral lenses can still develop surface deposits. This doesn’t usually indicate coating failure. It’s often a sign that care technique, ocular surface conditions, or environmental factors need attention.

Reinforce Proper Daily Cleaning

Rubbing matters: Patients should rub each side of the lens for 15–20 seconds with 

Tangible Clean, or approved MPS, before rinsing thoroughly. A quick rinse alone often leaves behind residue. Often, demonstrating this for them goes a long way. 

Walk through each step and each product being used to care for lenses. Non-compatible products, tap water, dry storage, and rough lens handling can all damage the coating.

Support the Surface With Moisture

A well-hydrated lens surface is less likely to attract and hold on to deposits.
Recommend regular use of a preservative-free rewetting drop throughout the day as needed.

Examples of preservative-free rewetting drops approved for use with Hydra-PEG are Optase Dry Eye Intense and Refresh Tears PF.

TIP: We do not recommend using a gel drop or one indicated for nighttime since the temporary haze they can cause will last longer on a lens with Hydra-PEG due to the very hydrophilic nature of the coating. Reserve these drops for use without lenses.

Review Lens Handling and Application Habits

• Patients should fill the lens bowl only with preservative-free sterile saline and avoid topping off or reusing solution in their case.
  
  
• Adding a lubricating drop to the bowl prior to application can further promote surface moisture and discourage deposition. Only recommend preservative-free solutions for lens application.
  
  

Identify External Contributors

• Cosmetics and skincare: Encourage switching to water-based products and handling lenses before applying makeup, lotions, or sunscreen.
  
  
• Hand hygiene: Use fragrance-free, non-moisturizing soap and dry hands completely before lens handling.
  
  
• Case care: Replace storage cases every 1–3 months and allow them to air-dry between uses. A good rule of thumb is to replace a case each time a new bottle of their MPS is opened. Most come with a case — so out with the old and in with the new!
  
  

Consider Tear Film and Lid Factors

Persistent lipid deposition often points to new or worsened ocular surface conditions such as Dry Eye or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

• Stress the importance of complete blinking and lid and lash hygiene.
  
  
• Some office treatments can significantly reduce surface issues depending on the condition.
  
  
• Bottom line, regardless of the underlying condition, you must treat it to the maximum with the lenses and Hydra-PEG as a part of the treatment.
  
  

Evaluate Lens Age and Coating Condition

If lenses are more than 9 months old or have been exposed to incompatible products, the coating may be thinning.

Although very durable, the coating will thin with normal wear and tear and more so with improper care and handling. If lenses are still within manufacturer warranty, contact the manufacturer about exchange or replacement.

Ensure Proper Use of Tangible Boost

Tangible Boost should be used once per month as part of the recommended Hydra-PEG maintenance routine. 

• Used properly, Tangible Boost will stabilize and rebuild the coating month over month. It should be used starting after the first month of wear to ensure the patient is starting with a healthy coating and maintaining it from there.
• Using Boost “as needed” or as a rescue to an already damaged coating will not have the same impact.
• Make sure patients are following the proper procedure and completing the full Boost cycle each time.
  
  

Clinical insight: Tangible Hydra-PEG doesn’t “fix” the tear film, but when combined with proper cleaning, monthly Boost, and regular moisture support, it creates a surface where deposits are far less likely to adhere. Most issues resolve with optimized care and ocular surface management. Persistent problems often trace back to underlying tear quality or aged lenses with coating degradation.