New solution available

Huenenberg, Switzerland-A new multipurpose disinfecting solution (Opti-Free PureMoist, Alcon) is now available for contact lens wearers in the United States.

The solution contains a proprietary wetting agent (HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix) that, according to the manufacturer, has demonstrated the ability to provide 16 hours of lens wettability. The wetting agent, a synthetic block copolymer, is designed to embed itself on and within the lens surface to remove protein deposits and reduce lipid deposition, which has been shown to be an issue with certain silicone hydrogel lenses. The agent has an extremely high affinity for the hydrophobic areas of all soft contact lenses that are not wetted by the tear film, according to the manufacturer.

“Silicone hydrogel lenses have undergone tremendous advances in the past 10 years, and [the solution] was designed to address the need for progressive technologies to help improve the performance of these lenses,” said Howard Ketelson, PhD, director of vision care product research at Alcon. “In clinical trials, [the solution with its wetting agent] provided comfort and moisture from contact lens insertion to removal for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.”

The solution’s dual disinfectant system (Polyquad and Aldox), with a chelating agent, edetate disodium, is designed to provide antimicrobial efficacy.