Does the brand of contact solution really matter? Everyone in my home uses something different; we have my roommate (the bargain-hunter) who always insists on ReNu (and leaves the bottle open) and then myself, who strictly abides with Alcon’s Opti-free. I have “contact issues” which reflect in my previous posts, so I find a sort of comfort in “high-quality” solution. But every time I hound the Optometrist for inside-news, they look at me with a puzzled expression, “It’s how you take care of them, not what you use.” I suppose this refers to the type of solution: multipurpose and no-rub. Except you’re supposed to actually rub the “no-rub” for at least 10 seconds (read the small print, kids). These uninformative answers suggest that the perfect contact solution must be found through trial and error, so I did a little research on the brands we keep around.
ReNu is a multi-purpose, no rub solution that cleans contact lenses daily. It isn’t fancy, contains basic chemicals that are in generic brands, and my roommate loves it. It is manufactured in the USA, while Alcon doesn’t disclose its location other than the label being printed in Texas.
Pros:
- Contains Hydranate®, an ingredient that removes protein deposits, suggesting that you mustn’t rub your contacts.
- Provides safe lens-storage for up to a month.
- Contains Hydroxyalkyl-Phosphonate as a main cleaning agent, which is said to be “safer” than many other chemicals in solutions.
- Cheaper than Alcon, it comes in a pack of two for $16.99
Cons:
- Directions claim that you have to rub your contact “for 20 seconds.”
- The packaging is subpar to Alcon.
For more information, check out eHow’s guide to selecting contact solution.
Sounds fancy, right? This multi-purpose formula is supposed to “remove daily protein debris,” without rubbing, except that you actually do have to rub. Every time I drop $18.29 on two bottles, I tell myself, “Look at all these titles, this has got to be quality!” Except that every review tends to suggest complacency, rather than a supreme lens-care system.
Pros:
- Alcon’s guarantee – a full refund is given if the consumer is unhappy for any reason.
- A bottle lasts me 2 months, and bottles are sold in packages of 2.
- Easier to use than a hydrogen peroxide system.
- Provides lasting comfort by containing Polyquad® a preservative that offers disinfecting benefits.
Cons:
- Misleading directions – “No Rub” actually means (according to every eye care professional…) RUB!!
- Polyquad® has the potential to “dye your cornea,” although I have never experienced problems, and I have light-colored eyes.
- Expensive
I wear soft contact lenses and I have dry eyes. I constantly have to touch my contacts with my fingers (hello, SwineFlu!) – even though the Dr. claims that my hydrogel lenses are the most advanced and comfortable (and expensive) on the market. Anyway, I have been using Visine for quite some time now. Major mistake. Apparently redness relieving eye drops can have some serious long-term consequences; such as, well, permanently red eyes. Great. I would really prefer not to look like a victim of crystal meth in my older age. So, i switched to Blink. These eye drops offer “relief with every blink,” basically. Bottom line: I will continue to use this until i find something better… I am not completely satisfied!!
Pros:
- Temporarily refreshes eyes.
- Contains electrolytes that are found (naturally) in tears.
Cons:
- Relief doesn’t last very long, and the bottle doesn’t either.
- This eye drop isn’t effective during allergy season.
- Expensive: Approximately $8.00
