Lens solution is one of the main attributes necessary for safe wearing of lenses (except for disposable lenses). The modern optics market offers a variety of products designed to care for contact products. Choosing the most suitable one is not so easy. Ochkov.Net specialists have compiled the top solutions for contact lenses.
The solution for contact lenses is intended to preserve their original condition and properties, as well as eliminate the risk of infection by various microorganisms. Modern manufacturers include in these liquids ingredients that are completely compatible with the mucous membrane of the eye, and therefore are absolutely safe for the organs of vision. Experienced users are well aware that the main component of optical products is water, which is known to evaporate. This happens especially often when working at a computer for a long time or staying in a room with air conditioning for a long time. This may cause the lens to lose its original elasticity. To avoid such situations, optometric experts recommend using a special solution for lenses. In addition, protein and lipid deposits, particles of the mucin layer, as well as remnants of decorative cosmetics (eye shadow or mascara) can accumulate on the surface of contact products. Natural tear fluid cannot independently cope with cleaning this type of contamination, while the solution is a very effective product, ideal for disinfecting lenses.
What types of contact lens solutions are there?
Some users, especially those who have recently started wearing contact lenses, believe that absolutely any product intended for this purpose, which can be freely purchased at an optician or a specialized online store, is suitable for cleaning optical products. Many of them storm the Internet, entering the query “Solutions for lenses” in the search bar. Rating”, they look for an answer to a question of interest on thematic forums, and read reviews left online. However, according to ophthalmologists, this approach is fundamentally wrong. Moreover, it is unsafe. In order to understand which contact lens solution is best suited for a particular case, it is necessary to pay special attention to its components, as well as compatibility with the material from which the optical products are made. Today the following types are distinguished:
- universal, which can be used to process lenses made from both soft and hard polymers. They are suitable for daily use (Comfort Vue, Pro Active, Maxima, Silver);
- multifunctional, which are the most popular today and combine several functions: cleansing, moisturizing and disinfection (Biotrue, Opti-Free, Unica Sensitive, High Fresh+);
- peroxide, the main component of which is hydrogen peroxide. They cannot be used daily, and after use, lenses treated with them must be washed (One Step, Aosept Plus, Queen's Peroxide);
- Enzymatic, produced in the form of tablets and copes well with severe stains in a short period of time. It is recommended to use such products no more than once a week (Boston Advance, Ever Clean, Optimed Enzyme).
The components included in solutions for storing contact lenses directly depend on their type. For example, multifunctional ones contain various preservatives, thanks to which ophthalmic products are disinfected. In addition, the composition may include alcohols, chloride compounds and various oxidizing agents. And in order for the lenses to provide their owner with bright and contrasting vision throughout their entire service life, a buffer substance based on phosphates or boric acid is often used.
When purchasing a solution, you should pay attention to whether it contains a component such as sodium chloride, since it is not compatible with all types of optical products.
Product Description
Multifunctional sterile solution Opti Free is a clear, colorless liquid without a specific odor. It is available in plastic bottles of 60, 120, 240 or 355 milliliters. The bottle is equipped with a convenient dropper spout. The solution contains:
- Polydronium chloride;
- Aminomethylpropanol;
- Myristamidopropyl dimethylamine;
- Poloxamine;
- Citrate;
- Sorbitol;
- Boric acid;
- Disodium EDTA;
- Sodium chloride.
This solution provides a high degree of disinfection. It is effective against bacterial and fungal infections, as well as cysts. An analogue can be considered a ReNu solution.
Multifunctional solution Opti Free is designed for daily care of soft contact lenses.
There are the following types of Opti Free multifunctional solution:
- Opti Free Replenish. Provides lens hydration for 14 hours, which helps maintain eye health. Provides excellent clarity of vision and facilitates the process of putting on and removing lenses. Provides a high level of protection against infections, including fungal ones;
Opti Free Replenish
- Opti Free Express. Can be used for both daily and occasional use. Cleans lenses, moisturizes and quickly removes fat and protein deposits. Can be used not only as a lens care product, but also as moisturizing eye drops. They relieve fatigue and redness, for example after prolonged work at the computer;
Opti-Free Express
- Opti Free Pure Moist. This is the most progressive product in this line. It not only effectively disinfects and cleans, but also prevents particles of dirt and dust from getting onto the lens. It helps the lenses adapt to the tissues of the eyes, ensuring wearing comfort. Its use allows you to do without enzymatic cleaners. Find out which is better, one-day or two-week lenses here.
Opti Free PureMoist
For complete disinfection, the lenses are placed in a container for at least 6 hours.
Every day a new portion of the solution must be poured into the container. Do not reuse the same solution.
ReNu contact lens solutions
According to many users, the best solution for contact lenses is ReNu MultiPlus, developed by the American brand Bausch + Lomb. It is a very effective product and does an excellent job of cleaning optical products made from soft polymers. However, cleaning is not its only function. It also does an excellent job of removing protein and lipid deposits that can accumulate on the top layer of products during operation. Surface cleaning is carried out using the unique component poloxamine, and deep cleaning is carried out by including hydranate, a molecule characterized by four negatively charged areas. The high quality of the liquid presented is confirmed not only by numerous user reviews, but also by repeated clinical studies. This solution can be used to care for both hydrogel and silicone hydrogel models, and can be used daily.
Precautions and contraindications
Before using contact lenses, you must undergo an examination by an ophthalmologist, who, if necessary, will suggest the necessary parameters for purchase and give advice on choosing a solution. Individual intolerance to certain components of the drug can lead to serious consequences. Opti-Free lens solution is universal, that is, suitable for all types of soft lenses, including silicone hydrogel.
Never use expired medication. Opti-Free lens solution can be used for six months after opening. After this period it must be disposed of.
Opti-Free contact lens solution is not intended for heat treatment. It should be stored at room temperature out of the reach of children; Do not boil or freeze - this may negatively affect its disinfectant properties.
Biotrue lens solution
Another solution developed by Bausch + Lomb specialists is Biotrue. Its light green packaging with the image of a transparent bottle is well known to many customers. Of course, it is impossible to say unequivocally that Biotrue is the best solution for treating lenses, but it has every right to be included in our top products intended for the care of optical products. The popularity of this product is largely due to its biocompatible properties, thanks to which it is absolutely safe for the visual organs. Its main component is sodium hyaluronate, present in the tissues and cartilage of the human body. This liquid is not only great for storing contact lenses, but also helps prevent symptoms of dryness and irritation when wearing optical products. The presented product fully matches the pH level of natural tears, due to which it provides comfort immediately after putting on the correction products.
Consumer Reviews
Ekaterina: I use the Opti-free Express solution. Cleans lenses very well, occasionally I use it as drops if I am concerned about discomfort, dryness and redness of the eyes.
Oleg: I tried many liquids, settled on Opti-free PureMoist. I like how it cleans, it doesn’t bother me with dryness and irritation of my eyes, even if I wear lenses all day.
Andrey: I tried Opti-free Replenish for the first time. So far I’m happy: the price is average, it cleans well. There is no allergy to the solution.
Opti-Free Express Contact Lens Solution
One of the good lens solutions available on the optical market today is Opti-Free Express. It is produced by the world famous American company Alcon. Thanks to the unique component aldox, which has an antimicrobial effect, it effectively fights various types of fungi and bacteria. In addition, the solution can even destroy Acanthamoeba - one of the most dangerous types of amoebas, which can seriously damage the cornea of the eye and provoke the development of Acanthamoeba keratitis. To fully clean and disinfect Opti-Free Express, it will take only 8 hours, after which the lenses will be as good as new. By the way, this product can be used to care for hydrogel and silicone hydrogel models.
Useful video
Opti-Free PureMoist Lens Solution Review. Features, unique properties, differences from other liquids are discussed in detail.
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2031
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Aosept Plus contact lens solution
For the care of all types of contact lenses, a product developed by the Alcon brand, namely Aosept Plus, is ideal. Compared to the previously listed products, it belongs to the peroxide category. Its main active ingredient is a well-known and time-tested antiseptic - hydrogen peroxide, which has excellent disinfectant properties. One of the main advantages of this liquid, thanks to which Aosept Plus copes with cleaning lenses better than many analogues, is the absence of the need for mechanical cleaning. This instruction is marked on the packaging as No Rub. In addition, this product does not require the additional use of rinses or enzyme tablets. Due to the absence of various preservatives in the product, ophthalmologists often recommend buying it for those patients who are predisposed to allergic reactions, especially spring hay fever.
Maxima contact lens storage solution
The Maxima multifunctional solution was developed by the British company of the same name. It is perfect for storing contact lenses made from soft materials: hydrogel and silicone hydrogel. This product can be used to clean and disinfect models not only developed by , but also by other manufacturers. It is included in the category of new generation products and allows not only to carefully clean optical products, but also to thoroughly combat various kinds of microorganisms that tend to accumulate on the surface of contact correction devices during their use. The main ingredient of this product is the nonionic surfactant RemoPro 1, which promotes the binding of water molecules to each other. With its help, it is possible to most effectively remove protein and fatty deposits from the surface of the lenses, thereby ensuring not only clear vision, but also safety for the visual organs.
Opti-Free Express lens solution
This type of solution is intended for active individuals who do not have much time for long-term treatment. The waiting period for lenses in this solution is only 6 hours, but reviews confirm that this does not affect wearing comfort in any way - maintaining the optimal level of moisture in the lens is guaranteed for 8 hours.
Processing is no different from standard:
- Mechanically clean the lens for 20 seconds.
- Rinse both sides.
- Fill the container with fresh solution and place the lenses there for at least 6 hours.
This simple ritual will help remove all protein and fat deposits, as well as disinfect.
Boston lens solution
If you are interested in which solution is best for caring for hard lenses, we recommend paying attention to Boston Simplex from the Bausch + Lomb brand. It not only does an excellent job of cleaning and disinfecting contact correction products, but also actively saturates them with moisture. The main advantage of the presented products is that their use does not require mechanical cleaning. Simply wipe and then rinse optical products before putting them on. Boston Simplus features a dual disinfection system, which ensures a high level of effectiveness against microorganisms harmful to the eyes. For example, it is actively able to fight such a single-celled organism that is dangerous to the eyes as Acanthamoeba, which was mentioned above. The liquid's ingredients include a unique moisturizing component that improves user comfort when putting on lenses.
Review of domestic solutions for contact lenses
Good solutions for contact lenses are produced not only by foreign, but also by domestic companies. One of them is the Russian manufacturer of liquids for cleaning and disinfecting optical products, Likontin. Its head office is located in Volgograd, but its products can be purchased in any city in the country or ordered in an online store. If your ophthalmologist recommended that you use a universal solution, then pay attention to Licontin-Universal. It promotes effective disinfection and reliably protects the visual organs from undesirable consequences arising from damage to the mucous membrane by harmful microorganisms. Ideal for daily storage of contact lenses.
Another product of this brand is called "Lycontin S". It is intended for enzymatic cleaning of contact correction products. According to ophthalmologists, such liquids can effectively clean even those lenses that you have not used for a long time, and therefore a lot of deposits have accumulated on their surface, which are not so easy to clean. By gently cleaning the surface of optical products, Licontin S does not cause any adverse reactions, which guarantees safety and comfort for your eyes. One of its undoubted advantages is its very economical consumption. As indicated on the packaging, only a couple of drops are required for cleaning. They need to wipe the lenses, then rinse them in a regular solution and leave for 4 hours. You can only put it on after this time has passed.
