Silicone hydrogel lenses have been developed to increase the oxygen permeability of soft contact lenses. However, in 2002 research began to demonstrate interactions between silicone hydrogel lenses and some lens care solutions.

These lens/solution interactions may involve increases in corneal staining or lens parameter changes, and can be associated with some Biguanide preservatives. These preservatives can absorb to the lens and may lead to clinically significant corneal staining.^1-4

The biocompatibility of OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® MPDS with silicone hydrogel lenses and soft lenses has been demonstrated.
OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® contains POLYQUAD®, a Biguanide-free preservative. A study with POLYQUAD® has shown that lens uptake of this unique preservative is below the limit of detection.^2,3

As silicone hydrogel lenses become more prevalent, assuring their biocompatibility with multi-purpose solutions becomes more important. The biocompatibility of OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® with silicone hydrogel lenses was demonstrated in a 28-day study. At study days 14 and 28, OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® was associated with significantly less corneal staining than ReNu MultiPlus*.⁵

As with all multi-purpose solutions cleared by the FDA, OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® is required to meet guidelines regarding its antimicrobial properties. These tests were performed on a stand-alone basis and with the addition of organic soil, which mimics the effects of tear film debris. OPTI-FREE® RepleniSH® meets the highest standard of FDA criteria antimicrobial efficacy disinfection for bacteria and fungi.⁶

1. Jones L, MacDougall N, Sorbara LG. Asymptomatic corneal staining associated with the use of balafilcon silicone-hydrogel contact lenses disinfected with a polyaminopropyl biguanide-preserved care regimen. Optcom Vis Sci. 2002;79:753-761.
2. Garofalo R, Dassanayake N, et al. Corneal staining and subjective symptoms with multipurpose solutions as a function of time. Eye Contact Lens. 2005;31:166-174.
3. Dassanayake N, Garofalo R, et al. Correlating biocide uptake and release profiles with corneal staining and subjective symptoms. Poster presented at: ARVO 2005.
4. Jones L, Keir N, et al. The impact of post-insertion time on corneal staining and comfort with group II hydrogel materials disinfected with various lens care regimens. Poster presented at: ARVO 2005.
5. Data on file, Alcon Laboratories.
6. Rosenthal RA, Bell WM, Schlech BA. Evaluation of a new contact lens disinfection formulation for disinfectant efficacy. Poster presented at: ARVO 2005.