Lens care products disinfectants

Contact lens care products can be divided into three categories cleaners, disinfectants, and lubricants. Improperly cleaned lenses can cause discomfort, irritation, decrease in visual acuity, and giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC). This latter condition often requires discontinuation of lens wear, at least until the symptoms clear. Deposits can also accumulate preservatives from lens care products and produce toxicity and can act as a matrix for microorganism attachment to the lens [317]. Thus, cleaning with the removal of surface debris, tear components, and contaminating microorganisms is one of the most important steps contributing to the safety and efficacy of successful lens wear [318]. 

Contact lenses are made of polymeric materials designed and fabricated to correct vision. Because these lenses are removed from the eye after a prescribed wear time, lens care products are required to clean, disinfect and rinse them prior to reinsertion to avoid ocular infections and other complications. Lens care products are also required to enhance the comfort of lens wear. 

Marketed lens care products fall mainly into the following categories cleaners, disinfectants, lubricants, and multipurpose products. Cleaners are subdivided into daily or weekly cleaners. Disinfectants comprise solutions containing chemical antimicrobial agents, which do not require heating the lenses, and preserved or unpreserved saline solutions, which are used with an electrical thermal device for lens disinfection. These products are also used to rinse contact lenses. Lens lubricants are intended to enhance the comfort of lens wear and are used prior to insertion and during wear. Multipurpose solutions are intended to accomplish... 

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