Multi solution

Patients' adherence to the regime

Estimates have shown that 2/3 of all problems related to non-compliance with the lens care regimen are caused by insufficient understanding of the instructions given by the doctor. According to one study, patients forget 1/3 to 1/2 of what they were told in a few minutes of consultations.

Applicability for soft contact lenses

The two most important aspects of the problem of the applicability of certain substances for soft contact lenses are the adsorption of substances and the preservation of the physical characteristics of the lenses.

Adsorption of substances by lens material

An important factor determining the applicability of certain substances for soft contact lenses is the adsorption of solution components. Often, antimicrobial substances bind to the material of soft contact lenses.

Such bonding increases the likelihood of lens discoloration and eye irritation.

Lens discoloration often occurs when using products containing thimerosal, chlorhexidine, and sorbic acid. Given the peculiarities of their chemical behavior, these antimicrobial substances are easily adsorbed by many materials of soft contact lenses. Over time, the optical properties of the associated antimicrobial may change, and the lens will acquire a yellowish or gray tint. Eye irritation can be caused by the accumulation of an antimicrobial agent in the contact lens.

Adsorption of such substances by the lens material leads to an increase in the likelihood of toxic and allergic reactions due to an increase in the contact time of the antimicrobial agent with the ocular environment.

The intensity of lens discoloration and eye irritation can be reduced by using antimicrobial agents, which have a low binding capacity in relation to soft contact lens materials.

Preservation of physical characteristics of lenses

Another factor that determines the applicability of certain substances for the care of contact lenses is the preservation of the physical characteristics of the lens during storage. In order to preserve physical characteristics, such as lens parameters (diameter, thickness, segment height) and moisture content, it is necessary that systems intended for lens care are isotonic and pH balanced. Most soft lenses are designed to achieve optimal performance at a neutral pH of the tear film. When storing soft lenses in an environment with a pH slightly different from the neutral range, temporary changes in the geometric parameters of the lenses and the moisture content may occur. Clinical manifestations of such changes consist in difficult installation of lenses, impaired wearing comfort and reduced visual acuity. The osmolarity of the solution also affects soft contact lenses. Soft lenses retain their original shape in an isotopic solution.

In a hypotonic solution, soft lenses absorb water and swell, and in a hypertonic solution, soft lenses lose water and shrink. These changes may affect the installation of the lenses and/or their optical properties.

The multi-purpose solution acts as a surfactant-based cleaner, as it contains the non-ionic surfactant poloxamine. Poloxamine has high cleaning efficiency and low toxicity in relation to eye tissues. Poloxamine interacts so weakly with eye tissues that it can be injected directly into the eye.

Surface-active cleaners perform an important function in the care of contact lenses. They remove loosely bound protein deposits before protein denaturation occurs, which leads to its firm attachment to the lens. In addition, surface-active cleaners are especially effective in removing lipid deposits.

Due to the peculiarities of its chemical behavior, poloxamine is attracted to hydroxyl groups present in many deposits and interacts with them. Surfactants such as poloxamine remove loosely bound deposits through a combined effect of displacement and micelle formation.

Displacement of deposits from the lens

The most weakly bound deposits on contact lenses are hydrophobic. Each surfactant molecule contains hydrophobic groups that are attracted to hydrophobic deposits. When several surfactant molecules surround the deposit, they begin to repel each other.

It is thanks to the forces of repulsion between the molecules of the surface-active substance that the deposit "collapses" into small drops that easily go into the solution. This process is accelerated by wiping the lenses with the fingers. After the transition of sediments into the solution, they are washed away at the washing stage.

Market analysis

Multipurpose solution is used by millions of people in 42 countries. Data collected today on the market of this product indicate that the multipurpose solution is safe for long-term use and has effectiveness. Two ophthalmologists in the United States evaluated the results of using a multipurpose solution. They examined the condition of the eye tissues of their patients who used the multipurpose solution for about two years. The results of the examination of the patients were compared with the initial data collected at the time of the first visit to the doctor.

Two years later, in all cases, the condition of the organs of vision was normal without signs of epithelial edema, microcysts or infiltrates in the cornea. No negative phenomena attributable to the action of the multipurpose solution were observed.

Multipurpose solution is used in 45 countries of the world. None of the subjects had eye infections, as no cases of conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers were reported.