title: Solutions for care of silicone hydrogel lenses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  During wear of contact lenses on a daily wear basis, it is necessary to disinfect the lens overnight before reinserting the lens the next day. The ability of the solutions used for this to disinfect lenses and lens cases is important for safe lens wear.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature on the disinfecting ability of multipurpose disinfecting solutions (MPDS) commonly used with silicone hydrogel lenses reported during the period 2000 to 2012 is reviewed, as this is the period of time during which these lenses have been commercially available. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability of disinfecting solutions to control colonization of lens cases by microbes and changes in composition and use of the solutions. In addition, the literature is reviewed on ways of minimizing lens case microbial contamination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Maintaining the hygiene of contact lenses and lens cases is important in minimizing various forms of corneal infiltrative events that occur during lens wear. Although lens case contamination is not associated with different lenses, it is determined by use of different MPDS. MPDS that allow more frequent or heavy contamination of cases by Gram-negative bacteria are associated with a higher incidence of corneal infiltrative events. MPDS are now available that contain dual disinfectants. Wiping lens cases with tissues or using lens cases that incorporate silver are associated with reductions in contamination in clinical trials. Similarly, using MPDS to rub and rinse lenses before disinfection may reduce levels of microbes on lenses. The MPDS also contain surfactants that help reduce deposition and denaturation of proteins on lenses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improvements in MPDS formulations and hygiene practices may help to reduce the incidence of adverse events that are seen during use with silicone hydrogel lenses.
authors.affiliation: School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia. m.willcox@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Mark D P
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Willcox
mesh_terms: D018639:Contact Lens Solutions / Q000592:standards*; D003262:Contact Lenses, Extended-Wear; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000592:standards*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D006920:Hygiene; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D018639:Contact Lens Solutions; D004202:Disinfectants; D020100:Hydrogels; D012828:Silicones