Bausch + Lomb
Recent research shows consumers use bizarre and potentially damaging alternatives to multi-purpose contact lens solutions
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new study reveals that consumers have occasionally used unconventional solutions when they need to clean, disinfect, and store their contact lenses. Baby oil, beer, Coke, petroleum jelly, lemonade, fruit juice, and butter are among the most unconventional and damaging alternatives to contact lens solution that contact lens wearers confessed to using in a study(1) recently conducted in the United Kingdom. The research was conducted by the makers of Biotrue? multi-purpose contact lens solution.
Twenty percent of respondents reported using an unconventional solution/lubricant when putting lenses in their eye. These alternatives are in no way designed for use in the human eye and are not safe alternatives for contact lens solutions. In fact, these alternatives can be quite dangerous. In addition to the inappropriate and unusual alternatives to contact lens solution, there was an overwhelming proportion of people that reported using saliva or tap water as a solution when putting lenses in their eyes. The average adult mouth contains 500 to 650 different types of bacteria (2). Both tap and distilled water may contain micro-organisms that can cause damage to the eye and have been associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal infection that is resistant to treatment (3).
"It's crucial for contact lens wearers to follow proper contact lens hygiene to maintain eye health and to keep their lenses clean and comfortable," said Dr. Michael Pier, Director of Professional Relations, Bausch + Lomb, makers of Biotrue. "To take the best care possible of your lenses, avoid methods of cleaning disinfection, and lubrication that have not been approved for use with contact lenses and recommended by your eye care professional. It is important to stick with the multi-purpose solution you've discussed with your doctor."
All unconventional methods for cleaning, storing, disinfecting and lubricating contact lenses are not recommended for use and can cause damage to the eyes.
Multi-purpose contact lens solutions are specifically designed to keep contact lenses clean and clear, ensuring your eyes stay as healthy and comfortable as possible. Biotrue multi-purpose solution is designed to work like the human eye, which naturally cleans, hydrates and keeps itself healthy. Biotrue helps keep lenses moist for up to 20 hours (4) and has exceptional disinfection efficacy (5). It is formulated to work like the eye with three bio-inspired innovations:
Biotrue is available at all major retailers and from eye care professionals. Patients should consult their eye care professional to determine which multi-purpose solution is best for them.
For further information, and a full store locator list, log onto www.biotrue.com.
CONTACT: CONTACT: Jane Mazur, Vice President, Public Relations, Bausch +
Lomb Vision Care, +1-585-355-5978 or [email protected], or Laura
Zanzal, Zeno Group on behalf of Bausch + Lomb, +1-212-299-8955,
[email protected]
Web site: http://www.bausch.com/