Contact lenses care solutions

Simplicity is key in the contact lens care market.

Consumers want uncomplicated, single-step products that require as little effort as possible. Moreover compliance with cleaning regimes is more likely with simple, hassle-free products. Companies operating in this sector have responded to the demand with a range of simple-to- use products that focus on comfort.

CIBA Vision's one-step SOLO-care PLUS cleaning, disinfecting and storing solution was recently awarded the CE mark and approval for commercial distribution throughout the European Union. The product, which is suitable for all soft contact lenses, got its pan-European launch in May. There are two ways to use SOLO-Care PLUS: either soak the lenses for four hours, which means no need to rub or rinse; or soak for just five minutes, then rub and rinse the lenses before use.

Last autumn Alcon Laboratories launched Unique pH, a multipurpose solution for rigid gas permeable contact lenses, which account for some 20% of the market in Germany for instance.

Initially available in the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Greece, Alcon says the solution adjusts to match each patient's eye chemistry. As the pH level in Unique pH increases to match the patient's tear pH, viscosity also increases, which cushions the lens.

Meanwhile in Italy, Vita Research has just launched Regard, a preservative-free one-step cleaning solution.

The product is based on an active disinfectant molecule that, once outside the closed bottle or lens case and in the eye, breaks down into the components of tears - salt, water and oxygen. Regard, which is suitable for all types of soft contact lenses, will be available in other European markets by the end of this year.

Comfort drops are other products worth thinking about. This spring CIBA Vision launched AQuify, which the company describes as the first preservative-free multidoses comfort drops. Suitable for all types of contact lenses, it is available in a 5ml multidoses bottle and is marketed in France, Germany, the UK, Scandinavia and Poland.

AQuify has been designed with contact lens wearers in mind but can also be used by non-wearers.

AQuify refreshes and re-hydrates in the same way as the natural tear film with even blink of the eye, the company says. It starts off as a liquid gel, thins to a liquid when you blink before returning back to a liquid gel, replicating the natural behavior of tears.

Start Up Help

How to put in and take out soft contact lenses

Everything is difficult in the beginning. Especially when it comes to learning to put in and take out soft contact lenses – a real test of your patience. Try using these tips and tricks for handling contact lenses.

Sit at a table when you are working with your contacts. In case you should lose one of the contacts this will make it much easier to find it again. Lay a mirror flat out on the table. Avoid any reflex type movements of the eye and eyelid. Always keep your nails short and smooth to help avoid injury to the eye. Before you begin, wash your hands and dry them with a fuzz free towel. Make it a habit to always begin with the same contact so in the future you can avoid mixing the right one from left one.

Preparation – Do’s!

First check that the curvature of the contact is right. Take the contact out of the container and put it on a dry fingertip. Look at the contact from the side edge to see if the curvature is correct.

Correct shape: Shape of a bowl

Does the contact look like a tiny bowl and are the edges pointing upwards, then the shape is right and the contact can now be put directly into the eye.

Preparation – Don'ts!

Wrong shape: Shape of a plate

If the contact is upside down it will look like a plate and the edge of the plate will go outwards slightly. With a little practice you will learn to see the difference right away. Turn the contact and rinse it with the recommended solution.

Do your contacts feel so thin or slippery that when you try to put them in they turn over on your fingertips instead of releasing from your finger or do they roll into a tube shape, which can rip if you try to unroll it? Then, our special tip will surely help you.

Take the contact between your thumb and index finger and apply a drop of OPTIFREE® express® to each side of the contact lens surface. Rub the contact lightly between your fingertips so that the solution is spread evenly on the contact. Now take the contact in your other hand and dry the first hand with a fuzz free towel. Put the contact back on the index finger of the dried hand. It will now open up and remain stabile on your fingertip.

Putting In Contacts

How to put in contacts correctly

Putting In Contacts – Step 1

Put the contact directly in the eye.

Put the bowl shaped contact on your dried index finger. Use the middle finger of your left hand to pull up your eyelid at the lash line. With the middle finger of your right hand pull down the lower lid at the lash line. Look straight into the mirror and place the contact carefully into the colored section of the eye.

Putting in Contacts– Step 2

Look down
Look down with your eyes. First let go of the upper lid and then the lower lid. Blink a few times to center the contact.

Check Contact
Can you see alright? Does the contact feel ok in your eye? If yes, then it is in correctly. To double check if your contact is in properly, close the other eye and look at an object in the distance. Can you see it in your normal focus strength then the contact is in properly. If it is not in properly than slide it over the white area of the eye towards the pupil. If the contact is still uncomfortable, then take it out again, rinse it and try again.

Removing Contacts

How to remove contacts easily

Removing Contacts – Step 1

You will find it easier to remove your contacts if you first put a few drops of OPTI-TEARS® free® lubricating eyedrops in your eyes.

Open your eye as wide as possible and look up. Put the tip of your index finger lightly on the contact lens and slide it down on the white of the eye.

Removing Contacts – Step 2

Press the edges of the contacts with the fingertips of your thumb and index finger with a little pressure so that a small pocket is formed. Since air can now get under the contact the contact should release from the eye. Be careful at this point so the contact does not fold over.

Clean the removed contacts immediately as recommended by your contact lens specialist.

Benefits of soft contact lenses Types of soft lenses, important to note Multi-purpose solutions For additional information, always refer to the manufacturer's product insert.

SOFT CONTACT LENS CARE

What are soft contact lenses?

Soft contact lenses are the most popular choice of in-eye vision correction for lens wearers, representing 80% of the contact lens market. Benefits include:

Good initial comfort • No foreign-body sensation
Variable wearing time • Ability to change eye color
Stability in sports • Economical

Soft lenses come in a wide variety of types including disposable, toric, and tinted. They are also commonly classified as being either daily-wear or extended/flexible-wear soft contacts.

Daily-wear soft contacts are intended for daily wear only. Wearers should remove their lenses every night.
Extended/flexible-wear soft contacts can be worn for up to 7 days/6 nights.
Studies have shown that wearers of extended-wear lenses are at higher risk of serious ocular infections and must be willing to see their eye care practitioner more frequently.
Wearing extended/flexible-wear lenses on a daily-wear basis is perfectly acceptable; the opposite should be generally discouraged.

Because many contact lens care products are designed exclusively for use with soft contact lenses, it's important to make sure that the product you sell is suitable to the customer's needs. Options for soft contact lens disinfection.

Soft contact lenses should be cleaned and disinfected every time they are removed from the eye. Of the different cleaning methods, the 2 most frequently used are multi-purpose solutions (MPS) and hydrogen peroxide solutions. Even within the 2 methods, specific regimens vary from product to product. Therefore, it is important to always refer to the product's package insert for specific cleaning instructions.

Are convenient and easy to use.
Are used to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store lenses.
Contain preservatives and disinfectants to inhibit and control microorganisms.

M U L T I - P U R P O S E S O L U T I O N

Hydrogen peroxide systems Important to note What is protein?

Removing protein from soft contact lenses Keeping soft contact lenses comfortable Important to note Allergan's COMPLETE® brand ComfortPLUS(tm) Multi-Purpose Solution is highly recommended for use with soft contact lenses because it is the only MPS that also contains an artificial tear lubricant for increased comfort. Other MPS products include Alcon's Opti-Free® Express®and Bausch & Lomb's ReNu® MultiPlus(tm).

Are preservative-free
Require a neutralizer
Require multiple steps for cleaning and disinfection
Are highly effective in their ability to eliminate microorganisms

Of the hydrogen peroxide cleaning products available, Allergan's ULTRACARE® Disinfecting Solution/Neutralizer is completely preservative-free. CIBA Vision's AOSept® System is another available hydrogen peroxide system. If neutralization is improperly performed, residual hydrogen peroxide may cause stinging or other toxic effects.

What are enzymatic cleaners?

Most soft contact lenses require a weekly enzymatic cleaner to remove protein and deposit buildup.

Protein is produced naturally as part of the tear film.
Proteins deposit onto the surface and matrix of the lens.
Dirty lenses can result in a loss of visual acuity, comfort, and lens life.

Furthermore, protein on lenses may denature over time, meaning the shape and performance of the lens changes and allergic reactions can occur. The proteolytic action of the enzyme removes protein that binds to the lens. Though many enzymatic cleaners can be used for soft lenses, some cleaners are specific to a particular type of lens and lens cleaning/disinfecting system.

Allergan's COMPLETE® brand Weekly Enzymatic Cleaner and ULTRAZYME® Enzymatic Cleaner are excellent products for soft contact lens protein removal. Both can be used directly in the lens case, once a week, to remove protein while lenses are being disinfected.

What are rewetting drops?

Most contact lens rewetting drops can be used PRN (as needed).
It is important to select drops that have been approved for use with soft contact lenses.
Rewetting drops help maintain good hydration of the lenses and the cornea, ensuring more soothing lens wear.

COMPLETE® brand Lubricating and Rewetting Drops contain a proven ophthalmic lubricant for additional lens wearing comfort.

Using the entire line of a manufacturer's lens care system ensures optimal compatibility of ingredients and helps minimize any possible ocular irritation.

How often do I need to replace my lens case?

Replace your lens case at least every 3 months for good hygiene-the case can be a source of bacterial and fungal growth.

I replace my contact lenses every 2 weeks. Do I still need cleaning products?

Yes, it is still essential to clean and disinfect disposable lenses daily to maintain good hygiene and keep eyes healthy.

Can I wear my contact lenses in the pool?

No. Swimming while wearing contact lenses is generally discouraged by most doctors due to water-borne microbes and risk of eye infection. In addition, your lenses may fall out of your eyes while swimming.

Is a daily cleaner really necessary?

Yes. Mucin from the eye and stubborn stains, such as makeup and dirt from the atmosphere, need to be removed to allow effective disinfection and keep the lenses clean and comfortable.

My eyes are sore and red.What should I do?

If eyes become sore, remove your lenses and clean and disinfect them. As appropriate, use an enzymatic cleaner for protein removal or replace lens to make sure the lenses are as clean as possible. If the problem persists, seek help from your eye care provider.

Can I wear makeup with contact lenses?

Yes, but try to avoid getting makeup on your lenses and always insert your lenses before applying eye color and mascara. If possible, choose creams rather than powders and avoid metallic powders, which may cause irritation.

Can contact lenses get lost in my eyes?

Although it is possible for a lens to be decentered and temporarily hard to locate on the eye, it is impossible for contact lenses to move behind the eye. Don't panic if they do slip out of place; it is easy to slide them back into position. If you can't feel or see where the lens has gone, look carefully under the upper lid. If you cannot remove the lens directly, gently shut your eye and move your lens into place by massaging gently through your lid.

Can I sleep with my contacts in?

Unless otherwise directed by your eye care provider, do not sleep in your lenses because this inhibits the amount of oxygen getting to your cornea and increases the chances of infection.

If I use a multi-purpose solution that contains a built-in protein remover, do I still need a weekly enzymatic cleaner?

MPS products that remove protein daily help prevent deposits from forming and make enzymatic cleaning unnecessary for most lens wearers. Unlike MPS products, an enzyme is an intensive cleaner that "restores" cleanliness if, or when, problems occur as lenses age. If you wear disposable or planned replacement lenses (used for 1 week to 3 months, depending on design and brand), it is unlikely that you will need to use an enzymatic cleaner. However, if you intend to use the same pair of lenses for over 3 months, or if you wear extended/ flexible-wear soft contacts, or if heavy deposits form on your lenses, or you frequently experience discomfort, you may benefit from using a weekly enzymatic cleaner. You should always consult with your eye care provider for a cleaning regimen appropriate for you.

Replace your lens case every 3 months to ensure good hygiene.
Close your eyes tightly when using hairspray-it can adhere to your lenses and cause irritation.
Use the lens case that is recommended with your care system. It has been tested and shown to be compatible with solutions in the care system.
Make sure fingernails are kept trimmed appropriately to avoid damaging your lenses.
Wash your hands before handling lenses or touching eyes.
Follow your eye care provider's instructions and return for checkups as advised.
Always follow manufacturer's package instructions.

DON'T

Swap or share lens cases or lenses-you could spread eye infections.
Mix lens care systems because they may not be compatible.
Rub your eyes without washing your hands first. Microorganisms from your fingers may transfer to your lenses.
Forget soft lenses are porous and can stain. Smokers can wind up with yellow-tinted lenses.
Clean your lenses with saliva. Saliva contains a lot of bacteria.
Reuse your solutions. Once used, they're no longer effective.
Forget to store your lenses as instructed. It is vital to retain the shape of your lens to ensure good, clear vision.
Sleep in lenses without the advice of your eye care provider.

Hard and Gas permeable lenses:

Product	Cleaning	Preservation	Insert	Comfort	Remarques
Actizyme	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
Alltotal	*	*	*
Tout–en–un RGP	*	*	*		Also for Soft contact lenses and gas permeable
Boston Lens Cleaner	*
Boston Simplicity	*	*	*
Boston Lens Conditioning		*	*
Boston Lens Rewetting				*	Rewetting
Cleanette	*			*
Combiclean	*
Combisol		*	*
Concentrated Cleaner	*
Conditioning Solution		*	*		Also for gas permeable
Contactol			*	*
Desinfecting, Soaking and Wetting Solution (DSW)		*	*
Duracare		*	*		Also for gas permeable
Duraclean	*
Hydrocare Fizzy	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
Hygialens	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
ICN Unicare (rouge)	*	*	*		Also for Soft contact lenses(blue)
ICN Uniclean					Also for Soft contact lenses
ICN Unihard		*	*		Also for gas permeable
LC 65 N	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
Refresh^® Contacts				*	For all kind
Lens Plus Purite	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
Miraflow	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
O₂ Clean
Opti Soak		*	*
Optilan				*
OPTI–CLEAN	*
OTE Ons Merk 3	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
OTE Ons Merk 4		*	*
OTE Ons Merk 5	*				To polish
Oxy–Clean	*	*	*	*	Also for Soft contact lenses
Oxy–Sol–S	*	*	*	*	Also for Soft contact lenses
Oxy–Sol–A	*	*			Also for Soft contact lenses
Polyzym	*				Also for Soft contact lenses
Proticlean	*
Recondition Drops				*
Lubrifiant pour lentilles sensibles				*	Also for Soft contact lenses
Soaclens		*	*
Solocare Hard	*	*	*
Spezial Politur	*
Stericlens	*
Steri–Fresh		*			For all kind
Steri–Soak		*			Also for Soft contact lenses
Total Care	*
Total Care Déprotéinisation	*
Total Care Nettoyant	*
Total Care Désinfection Conservation		*	*	*
Transoak		*
Transol			*
Unizyme	*				Déprotéinisation
Vidisept				*
Vislube Tranedies				*

Soft contactlinsen:

Product	Cleaning	Enzyme cleaner	Preservation	H₂ O₂	Neutralisation de l´H₂ O₂	Rinsing	Comfort	Remarques
Avizor All in One	*						*
Avizor Novoxy				*	*
Avizor Enzyme		*
Avizor Saline						*
O2–Rins						*
Actizyme		*						Also for hard contact lenses
ALCON Saline Refill						*
ALLERGAN Solution Saline						*
All–In–One	*		*			*
Aosept				*	*			Also for hard contact lenses
Easysept				*	*
B & L Daily Cleaner	*
B & L Fizziclean	*
B & L Sensitive Eyes saline solution						*
B & L Sensitive Eye lens lubricant							*	Also for hard contact lenses
1 RENU Comfort drops							*
BLUE SEPT					*	*
RENU multipurpose solution	*		*			*
Combi Comfort	*		*			*		Also for hard contact lenses
Complete All–In–One	*		*			*		Also for disposal lenses
Complete Tabs		*
Contaclair	*		*			*		Also for hard contact lenses
Clerz							*	Also for hard contact lenses
FILMABAK							*
Flexsol			*
Freesept						*		For all kinds
FRESHLOOK	*		*			*
Hexidine			*
Hydrabak							*
Hydrocare All–In–One	*		*
Hydrocare Fizzy		*
Hydrocare Saline Solution						*		Also for hard contact lenses
Hygialens Cleaner	*							Also for hard contact lenses
ICN Saline						*
ICN Uniclean	*							Also for hard contact lenses
inc unicare	*		*			*		Also for hard contact lenses
ICN Unisoft	*		*			*
Isoclean	*
Isosol						*		For all kinds
LC–65–N	*							Also for hard contact lenses
Lensan A				*
Lensan B					*
Lens Plus						*
Lens Plus Purite						*
Liprofin	*							Professetionel cleaning
Menicon All Cleaner								N/A
Menicon Enzymatic Cleaner		*
Meni R					*
Meni Sept				*
Menicon System 1								N/A
Miraflow	*							Also for hard contact lenses
MOS Ampullae					*
MOS One Step					*
MOS Peroxyde Nr. 1				*
MOS Twins All in one	*		*			*	*	Also for hard contact lenses
Normol						*
Optilan							*
Oxysol A				*	*
Opti Free	*		*			*
Opti Free Daily Cleaner	*
Opti Free Enzymatic Cleaner		*
Opti free express	*		*			*
OPTI–FREE Multiaction	*	*	*
Opti free rewetting drops						*
OTE Ons Merk 2 comp.					*
OTE Ons Merk 1			*			*
OTE Ons Merk 2					*
OTE Ons Merk Wiper		*						For all kinds
OTE Ons Merk All in One	*		*			*	*	For all kinds
OTE Saline Aérosol	*					*
OTE Saline C	*					*
OTE Saline NT	*					*
oxy–sol–S	*		*			*	*	Also for hard contact lenses
Oxy–Sol–A			*			*		Also for hard contact lenses
Oxyclean	*							Also for hard contact lenses
Oxysept 1 Step Tabs		*
Oxysept 2					*
Oxysept I				*
Oxysept One Step	*			*	*			All in one
Polyclens	*							Also for hard contact lenses
Polyclor			*					do not put directly on the eyes
Polyzym		*						Also for hard contact lenses
Preflex	*
Proxcid I				*
Proxcid II					*
Refresh^(r) Contacts™							*	Also for hard contact lenses
Renoclean		*						Monthly
Sauflon Daily Cleaner
Sauflon Aerotab	*
Sauflon Protein Remover		*
Sauflon Saline						*
Soft Mate Consept I				*
Soft Mate Consept II					*
Softwear Saline	*					*
Solocare Soft	*		*			*
Steri–Fresh							*	Also for hard contact lenses
Steri–Sal			*
Steri–Soft Soaking	*		*
Steri–Solv	*
Supraclens		*
Titmus H₂ O₂ II					*
Titmus H₂ O₂				*
Ultra Clean Plus	*
Unirins	*		*			*	*
Unisept				*
Unizyme		*						For all kinds
Vidisept							*
Vislube							*
Vitaclair	*							Do not put it directly on the eyes
Vitacontact			*
Vitadrops							*	For all kinds
Vitasol						*