Which lens solution is the best and where is the best place to buy it?

There are two types of lens care systems: multipurpose lens solutions and hydrogen peroxide-based systems. Each of these systems has its advantages but also potential disadvantages.

Multipurpose Lens Solutions

This specific type of lens solution consists of a liquid with a dual purpose, namely cleaning and disinfecting the lenses.

This type of solution is also known as 'no rub' solutions and is specially designed to clean and disinfect lenses adequately using a simple rinse and store method.

This eliminates the need to rub your fingers over the lenses to remove all deposits.

However, recent research suggests that rubbing lenses after moistening them with a multipurpose solution can result in greater cleaning efficiency.

For this reason, many eye care specialists recommend a short, say about 10-second, period of rubbing the lenses as part of the cleaning regimen of multipurpose solutions.

Proponents of this specific type of lens solution argue that they are less expensive and easier to use than classic hydrogen peroxide-based solutions, and that for this reason, lens wearers should opt for this particular type of contact lens solution.

But in recent years, there has been a clear decrease in the turnover of at least one brand of multipurpose lens solutions globally, due to an outbreak of fungal eye infections associated with the product.

Nevertheless, these specific solutions are still the most popular method for cleaning and maintaining lenses in the United States and Europe.

Advocates of this particular type of solution argue that the clear decline in sales of a particular type of solution should be considered an isolated incident and that the no-rub solutions are proven to be safe, efficient, and economical for those looking for a good solution to clean and disinfect their lenses.

Hydrogen Peroxide Lens Care Systems

Hydrogen peroxide-based (HPB) lens care products are also very popular. Although these systems offer less efficiency in disinfecting the lenses, there have been no product recalls due to outbreaks of eye infections that can be linked to the use of this product. Compared to multipurpose solutions, they certainly appear to be efficient.

Eye care professionals who recommend hydrogen peroxide solutions will often advise you to first clean your lenses with a separate solution specifically intended to clean the surface of the lenses and possibly rinse them with a saline solution.

This means that cleaning with this specific product requires an extra step in the process.

Disinfecting the lenses with this specific lens care system can therefore consist of one or two steps, depending on the product.

Both one-step and two-step HPB systems require neutralizing the hydrogen peroxide solution after disinfecting the lens and before wearing the lenses again.

This is one of the reasons why hydrogen peroxide can be considered an effective disinfectant, but it is toxic to the cornea and must be covered with a saline solution with a neutralizing agent to avoid inflammation of the eyes.

In one-step HPB systems, the lenses are placed in a holder inside a cylindrical contact lens case, and this case is filled with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution.

In two-step systems, the lenses are placed in a case filled only with hydrogen peroxide for a specific period of time. Afterwards, a neutralizing substance is added to the case to convert disinfected components into a neutral saline solution.

Hydrogen peroxide-based systems are preservative-free and are therefore often recommended for lens wearers who are sensitive to the preservatives often found in multipurpose solutions.

Eye care professionals who prefer multipurpose lens solutions say that one-step HPB systems may not expose the lenses to full-strength hydrogen peroxide for a sufficient period to effectively disinfect resistant microbes.

This includes a serious form of eye infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Specialists also often agree that two-step HPB systems carry the risk that users will forget the neutralizing step and develop a painful eye infection by exposing the eyes to a non-neutralized hydrogen peroxide solution.

Another potential problem with HPB systems is that once the hydrogen peroxide is neutralized, the remaining fluid in the lens case no longer has a disinfecting effect.

It is possible for the case, and therefore your lenses, to become contaminated when you open the case and use it to store your lenses without adding a fresh disinfecting solution.

Ask Your Doctor

Choosing which solution to buy for your lenses is a decision you should not make on your own. Your doctor should be able to tell you which solution he or she believes is best suited for your type of lenses and eyes when fitting your lenses. Also, do not simply change products without discussing this with your doctor beforehand.