I attended the American Academy of Optometry's annual meeting in Denver, and there's much to report regarding lens care. The Academy's Scientific Program showcases some of optometry's best research. Following is a summary of the lens care presentations. Listed in brackets is the sponsor of the study, if applicable.

Lakkis and Boyd Opti-Free Replenish (Alcon) was effective vs. a broad range of P. aeruginosa clinical and laboratory isolates. [Alcon]

Dumbleton et al With all silicone hydrogel lenses, no cases of solution sensitivity staining were associated with Clear Care (CIBA Vision). [CIBA Vision]

Vermeltfoort et al Opti-Free Express (Alcon) is more effective than ReNu MultiPlus (Bausch & Lomb) in causing cell death of bacteria, with and without biofilm enclosure in a lens care system.

Schachet et al Opti-Free Replenish has clinical benefits with traditional and silicone hydrogel lenses vs. ReNu MultiPlus, ReNu MoistureLoc and Complete MoisturePlus (Advanced Medical Optics). [Alcon]

Groemminger et al In kill profiles of PHMB-containing products, ReNu MultiPlus performed best. [B&L]

McCanna et al ReNu MultiPlus, Complete Moisture Plus, and Aquify (CIBA) have minimal effect on human corneal epithelial cells in culture; Opti-Free Express has a greater effect on the tight junctions and cell membranes. [B&L]

Dalton et al Many solutions are more hypo-osmotic than tears. Lower values: Opti-Free Express; higher values: unneutralized Ultracare (AMO), AOSept (CIBA) and Clear Care. The pH of H₂O₂ solutions was less prior to neutralization; Opti-Free Express is highest. The viscosity of solutions at room temperature is similar (Complete is higher). Surface tension of AOSept and unneutralized UltraCare are similar to saline; Opti-Free Express and SoloCare (CIBA) are lowest.

Keir et al Clinical performance and subjective comfort with etafilcon lenses are similar for Opti-Free Express and ReNu MoistureLoc. Up to 10 percent of subjects have clinically significant corneal staining with an alexidine-based MPS vs. a polyquad-based MPS; staining is maximal 2 hours post-insertion. [Alcon]

Garofalo et al ReNu MultiPlus assayed over time in the lens case, with and without lenses, showed a decrease in PHMB content. Opti-Free Replenish did not show reduced Polyquad. A gradual increase in uptake was observed for both lenses (balafilcon A and etafilcon A) soaked in Complete MoisturePlus. [Alcon]

Baird et al Neither Opti-Free Replenish, Complete nor B&L Sensitive Eyes have large effects on visible light transmission or UV-A/B absorption of SCLs that are noticeable to the wearer.

Andrasko and Ryen After two hours of lens wear, PureVision with biguanide-preserved solutions had high percentages of staining area (ReNu MultiPlus, 73 percent; Complete MoisturePlus, 48 percent; Aquify, 21 percent). Staining area of 25 percent was observed for Acuvue 2 (Vistakon)/ReNu MoistureLoc. Night & Day (CIBA)/ReNu MultiPlus exhibited 24 percent staining area. Opti-Free Express and Opti-Free Replenish caused minimal staining (7 percent or less across all lenses). [Alcon]

Tilia et al Differences in rates of toxic staining with contact lens and solution combinations are evident. H₂O₂ solutions performed best irrespective of lens type. [CIBA]

Gromacki and Doud Greater volumes of solution were utilized for the manufacturers' no rub instructions than for the traditional rub and rinse method.