Current contact lens care systems: Proper use and problem prevention

As contact lenses have grown in popularity and complexity, so have the lens care systems for maintenance of a clean contact lens on a clean, wet eye. A great deal of care has gone into the development of solutions for removing deposits, conditioning the lenses before placing on the eye, and cushioning the lenses while on the eye. Effective and elaborate disinfection systems are readily available ranging from the simple concept of thermal disinfection to chemical preservatives to short-acting, one-step, chemically buffered hydrogen peroxide systems. The range in complexity of the lens care hygiene system has led to patient and practitioner confusion, resulting in misuse of products. At times, this misuse results only in ocular irritation or discolored or damaged lenses. More seriously, improper use of the disinfection systems or no use at all can lead to vision-threatening microbial keratitis. These problems can be prevented by proper patient usage of the available lens care systems and knowledgeable practitioner instructions as to which solutions are to be used and how they are to be used. Problems can be prevented if lens care hygiene is considered to be as important as the contact lens fit itself and if this importance is properly communicated to the patient.