Proper Contact Lens Care is Important for Healthy, Comfortable Vision

Why is contact lens care important?

Contact lenses can be subject to a build-up of micro-organisms and deposits. If not removed, these deposits and absorbed materials can build up on the lens surface which over time may result in the reduction of comfort and vision as well as an increased risk of contamination.

This is why contact lenses need to be cared for on a regular basis using solutions that are specifically designed to clean and disinfect contact lenses like AOSEPT^® PLUS Cleaning and Disinfecting solution.

Peroxide-based formulas, such as AOSEPT^® PLUS Cleaning and Disinfecting solution, are considered to be the gold standard in lens care products. AOSEPT^® PLUS solution offers excellent antimicrobial and cleaning efficacy, comfort and ease of use, and is an ideal choice for soft and RGP contact lens patients. In addition, AOSEPT^® PLUS solution has advanced the standard peroxide-based solution by eliminating the need for a separate cleaning step for soft contact lenses.

Why can't water be used for rinsing contact lenses?

Tap water contains chlorine, minerals and metal particles, which can damage both the contact lenses and the eye. Most importantly, water contains micro-organisms, which can lead to serious infections of the eye. Homemade saline, purified or distilled water are not sterile and do not disinfect contact lenses; they should not be used for rinsing or storing contact lenses

The Five Most Important Things to Know about Lens Care

1. Cleaning and Disinfection
   Cleaning and disinfecting are important to kill micro-organisms responsible for eye infections. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for proper contact lens cleaning and disinfection.
2. Storage
   Contact lenses must be stored in a proper lens case and in solutions approved for contact lens storage.
3. Re-wetting
   Use drops approved for re-wetting contact lenses as needed to alleviate symptoms of lens dryness. This is not an actual lens care step, but can be used for extra comfort.
4. The Lens Case
   Data indicate that lens cases are a significant source of microbial contamination. Proper lens case cleaning and frequent case replacement are essential for minimising the risk of contamination. Always follow the directions on the packaging insert for detailed instructions on cleaning and storing your lens case. Cases should be replaced at least every three months.
5. Replacement Schedule
   Different contact lenses are made out of different materials. Because each material performs differently, manufacturers recommend a replacement schedule for each type of lens to allow for optimal performance of the lens. Most contact lenses worn today are intended to be replaced on a frequent basis. Typical replacement frequencies include one day, 1 to 2 weeks and one month. Speak to your eye care professional who will recommend a replacement schedule based on the contact lenses you are wearing and your individual needs.

Whether you choose a peroxide or non-peroxide one-bottle system or lens drops, CIBA VISION^® provides highly effective lens care products that ensure comfort, performance and convenience when wearing contact lenses.

Lens Care	Key Attributes
AOSEPT® PLUS Cleaning and Disinfecting Solution	Combines the proven power of peroxide in a convenient, one bottle solution increasing the length of time contact lenses can be worn comfortably*1
OPTI-FREE® PureMoist® Multi Purpose Disinfecting Solution	OPTI-FREE PureMoist MPDS is the only contact lens care solution to provide moisture on todays's lenses for 16 hours with Hydraglyde Moisture Matrix; innovative wetting technology that works independently of the tear film taking moisture from the lens case to the patients eye.
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® Multi Purpose Disinfecting Solution	Contains TearGlyde® which reconditions contact lens surfaces to keep the lenses moist up to 14 hours for comfortable wear
OPTI-FREE® Express® Multi Purpose Disinfecting Solution	OPTI-FREE Express MPDS contains Tetronic 1304, which helps retain moisture on the lens surface for up to 8 hours.

 

^* versus OPTI-FREE^® RepleniSH^® MPS

¹ Keir N, Schneider S, et al. Clinical performance of a peroxide-based care system and a multi-purpose care system formulated for use with silicone hydrogels. Optom Vis Sci. 2008;85:E-abstract 085058.

The Microblock^TM lens case should not be used by persons who are allergic to silver or other metals.
^**Laboratory testing showed after 24 hours the Microblock^TM lens case kills P. aeruginosa, C. amalonaticus, E. coli, and A. calcoacetus.

² Amos C, George M. Clinical and laboratory testing of a silver-impregnated lens case. Contact Lens Anterior Eye. 2006;29:247-255.