Contact Lens Solution

If you are a contact lens wearer, you might have heard of multi purpose or complete contact lens solution. They are one element of lens caring system that is essential to keep your contacts comfortable, provide clear vision and, above of all, prevent eye infections.

In an updated report, the Center for Disease Control listed occurrence of the eye fungus in twenty-eight states. Bausch & Lomb initially stopped shipment of its ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution, and then asked retail stores to completely remove the product from their shelves. The fungal infection is usually found in plant material and soil in tropical and subtropical regions, and is usually contracted when a person is hit in the eye with infected soil, a plant or tree branch. It is not transmitted from person to person and was never associated with wearers of contact lenses until this point. Its high occurrence in users of Bausch & Lomb's contact lens solution products is quite unusual, while at the same time extremely troubling.

There are two basic types of contact lens cleaning solution. Daily care systems consist of several bottles or solutions that rinse, disinfect and lubricate. These products are usually peroxide-based, require several steps in the cleaning process but are highly effective in killing bacteria. The downside is they take a little more time to use.

Multi-purpose solutions on the other hand are all-in-one products that have the disinfectants, cleaners and protein removers in the same bottle. Multi-purpose solutions are popular because they are fast and convenient. However, if you have sensitive eyes, you may find these products cause irritation or an allergic reaction (the chemicals used in them prove too harsh for your eyes). There's also some debate in the medical community as to whether multi-purpose solution cleans and disinfects as effectively as peroxide-based cleaners. Recent recalls of popular multi-purpose contact lens cleaners (AMO Complete Moisture Plus in May 2007) attest to the problems associated with these products.

You'll be able to find many brands of all purpose lens solutions at your local drugstore, supermarket, or discount department store. Among popular brands, you might find Renu of Baush & Lomb or Opti-Free on store shelves, but each store carries a different selection.

You will also find brands that sell "no rub" solutions, meaning that you won't have to rub the lens to clean it. However, doctors recommend rubbing them with solution as a rule of complete lens care. Rubbing helps remove dirt and make-up from the lenses, so keep this in mind, should you go for a no rub solution.