EyeWitness Summer 2010 - 24

FEATURE ARTICLE

Gas Permeable Care Systems: What is Available?
By James w. slightom, fclsa, aBom, ncle-ac

About thE Author mr. slightom is a fellow in the contact lens society of america, and a master optician certified by the american Board of opticianry. Jim has been an optician and contact lens technician for over 34 years, owned his own optical business for the first 18 years, was the contact lens clinical Director at the University of missouri Kansas city ophthalmology Department for 8 years, and is currently a contact lens consultant at aBB concise.

as permeable (GP) lenses were first introduced to the market in the late 70s, with little thought as to what solutions should be used or to the question of whether there was a need for solutions to be compatible to the lens material. GP lens materials exhibit both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties and as fitters, our concerns were that the patients inserted lenses that were disinfected and safe from microbial life and also that the surface of the lens was lubricated and comfortable. Solutions available at the time were formulas for soft lenses, which might be effective against microbial life, but may not be compatible with the GP surface and offer a well lubricated lens upon insertion. Or, we could use PMMA solutions, but many of these were too harsh for the GP materials and caused problems that might include changing the parameters of the lens, if not right away, then certainly after repeated use. Over the years, many GP materials have been developed. Fortunately, solution manufacturers also saw the need for solutions specifically designed for GP lens materials. Manufacturers have given us solutions that are mild enough so as not to damage the surfaces and parameters of GP lenses, yet strong enough to disinfect the lens surfaces while creating a surface that will wet and can easily be accepted by the eye.

it has been said that the best contact lens care system is the one that the patient uses routinely and properly. there are many good gas permeable care systems and solutions available, but in this short space the discussion will be limited to three of the most popular ones used today.

able care systems and solutions available, but in this short space the discussion will be limited to three of the most popular ones used today. With ocular sensitivities, allergies, and solutions preferences, there is no one solution that will work best or will work for everyone. It is up to the contact lens fitter to determine the best system based on observations and feedback gained from the patient through follow up care. GP care systems can be broken down into two catatgories: 1. Multi-purpose Solutions (single step) 2. Multiple Solutions (multiple steps)

Multi-purpose Solutions
Multi-purpose solutions are in one container (all-in-one) and are intended to be used for cleaning, disinfecting, and lubricating GP lenses. The idea behind only one solution for lens care is convenience. The thought is that convenience, which involves fewer steps in care, will result in better compliance. Two popular brands that are multipurpose solutions are Boston’s Simplus® and Alcon’s OPTI-FREE® GP (Unique PH is back).

Care Systems
It has been said that the best contact lens care system is the one that the patient uses routinely and properly. There are many good gas perme24

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EyEWitnEss summEr 2010

EyeWitness Summer 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of EyeWitness Summer 2010