Contact Lens Care Systems And Cleaning Solutions

Contact lens wearers throughout the United States and around the world are being diagnosed with an extremely painful and potentially detrimental eye fungus, called fusarium keratitis. The FDA and the CDC recently announced an investigation into the occurrence of this rare fungal infection, detected in an alarming number of soft contact lens wearers using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu contact lens solution. As of April 24, 2006, reports stated that the number of confirmed or suspected cases of the eye fungus had grown to one hundred seventy-six.

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.

Since everyone's eyes are different, the only way to know which type is best for you is to consult with your eye doctor and try out a few different ones. If you react at all, then discontinue use. For sensitive eyes, look for solutions designed for sensitive eyes with little or no preservatives.

Generally adverse reactions to lens cleaners are caused by the preservatives they contain, but also how you handle your lenses while inserting them plays a part. You should put your contacts in BEFORE applying makeup or hairspray or using any hand lotions.

Complete contact lens solutions such as Healthy Eyes Multi Purpose Solution contains a natural formulation with natural plant substrates. The online retailer, Coastal Contacts states that it creates a "comfort cushion" around your contact lenses, making insertion noticeably more comfortable. Other complete solutions include AquaRefresh Multi-Purpose Solution, Renu Multiplus Solution from Bausch & Lomb. Peroxide-based cleaners include AOSEPT Clear Care.

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