Though multipurpose contact lens solutions have been marketed for simplified “no-rub” lens care, using a “rub and rinse” regimen is much more effective at keeping lenses free from dangerous microorganisms that can cause eye infections, according to a new study.
Researchers in Australia investigated the effectiveness of popular multipurpose disinfection solutions (MPDS) when used in various cleaning methods for conventional soft and silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Disinfecting effectiveness was tested against common bacteria, fungi and Acanthamoeba microorganisms that have been associated with contact lens-related eye infections.
The study revealed that the best lens disinfection (regardless of lens type) occurred when lenses were manually rubbed under a stream of fresh MPDS for several seconds, then stored in fresh solution. The “rinse only” method was less effective, particularly with silicone hydrogel lenses, and the “no rub and no rinse” method (where lenses were simply removed from the eye and stored in MPDS) was least effective.
The study authors concluded that the “rub and rinse” lens care method is most effective at reducing adherence of dangerous microorganisms from contact lenses and should be recommended in conjunction with all multipurpose lens care solutions, particularly when used to clean and disinfect silicone hydrogel lenses.
The study will appear in an upcoming issue of Optometry and Vision Science, the journal of the American Academy of Optometry.
