Rub and rinse most effective

The rub and rinse technique is the most effective means of eliminating microorganisms when cleaning soft contact lenses, even with 'no-rub' multipurpose disinfection solutions, according to research just published in Optometry and Vision Science.

Rub and rinse, in conjunction with soaking the lens, was found to be the most effective regimen to recommend with all MPSs, according to the study, led by Dr Hua Zhu of the Brien Holden Institute, Sydney.

The researchers compared rub and rinse and soaking for several hours with 'rinse only' and 'no rub and no rinse', using the three techniques with commercially available MPSs including no-rub products.

Soft contact lenses, including two types of silicone hydrogels were used and the effectiveness of removing cultured bacteria, yeast and mould cells was tested.