Rinsing silicone hydrogel contact lenses with an approved contact lens solution after removing them from the eye removes more than half the protein that accumulates on the lenses, according to a new study.

Researchers at The Ohio State University College of Optometry found that rinsing silicone hydrogel contacts thoroughly as part of a “no rub” lens care system removes protein deposits from the lenses significantly better than foregoing the rinse step.

Subjects participating in the study were fit with silicone hydrogel lenses manufactured by CIBA Vision and then wore the lenses on a daily wear basis for five days. They were instructed to use Aquify Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution (CIBA Vision) after each day of wear, following the manufacturer’s “no rub” care instructions.

The study participants then returned to the clinic and their lenses were removed by a gloved examiner. One lens was rinsed with the contact lens care solution and the other was not. Protein was then chemically removed from all lenses and quantified.

More than 50 percent more protein was chemically extracted from the lenses that did not undergo the rinse step after removal from the eye.

The results of the study suggest silicone hydrogel lenses have significantly less protein build-up if they are thoroughly rinsed with a multi-purpose contact lens care solution when removed from the eye. Including this rinse step as part of a “no rub” care system therefore may decrease the risk of contact lens discomfort and contact lens-related eye infections.

A full report of the study appears in the August 2009 issue of Optometry and Vision Science.

Bausch & Lomb Vision Care announced last month it has introduced two new contact lens solutions as part of a rebranding of its lens care products.

ReNu Fresh Lens Comfort (formerly ReNu MultiPlus) contains Hydranate, an ingredient designed to remove protein deposits from soft contacts; poloxamine, an ingredient designed to remove dirt and debris while enhancing lens wettability and moisture retention; and Dymed, a disinfecting agent.

ReNu Sensitive Eyes (formerly ReNu Multipurpose solution) contains fewer ingredients and is designed to be gentle on sensitive eyes without sacrificing a high level of contact lens cleaning and disinfection, the company says.

In May 2006, Bausch & Lomb voluntarily withdrew its ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution from the market because the product was associated with fungal eye infections.

More information about ReNu Fresh Lens Comfort and ReNu Sensitive Eyes can be found at Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu website.