B+L advises rub-and-rinse regimen with multipurpose solutions

Rochester, NY-Bausch + Lomb (B+L) is providing a rub-and-rinse regimen in the directions for use of its multipurpose contact lens solutions. The FDA and several professional eye-care associations have recommended such a cleaning regimen to help reduce the risk of infection.

“By choosing to change our multipurpose solution labeling proactively to include only a rub regimen for cleaning and disinfecting lenses, we are providing patients with the insights we’ve gained from the 92% of eye-care professionals who instruct their patients to rub their lenses,” said Mohinder Merchea, OD, PhD, MBA, director of medical affairs, North America vision care, B+L.

A product labeling transition has been under way at the company since the beginning of the year, according to the company. Two of its multipurpose contact lens solutions (Biotrue and renu sensitive) already include directions to rub and rinse lenses as part of the care and cleaning regimen. Another multipurpose solution (renu fresh) will undergo the labeling change by May in the United States.

The company’s recommended contact lens-cleaning regimen involves rubbing each lens gently for 20 seconds before rinsing each side of the lens for 5 seconds with multipurpose solution. Lens-wearers then are advised to place cleaned contact lenses in a lens case filled with fresh solution and to soak the lenses for at least 4 hours. B+L advises that lens wearers always use fresh solution and never reuse or “top off” solution. The company also advises that the lens case be replaced monthly.

Joseph Barr, OD, MS, vice president, global clinical and medical affairs, B+L, vision care, said the company will be “bringing several additional tools to our clinical partners to help improve patient compliance in the near future.”