Clinical acceptance of two multipurpose solutions: MPS containing HPMC versus citrate-based MPS without rubbing.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the clinical performance of contact lens wear, primarily comfort and dryness during the daytime and at the end of the day, associated with the use of a multipurpose solution containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), COMPLETE ComfortPLUS (Allergan, Irvine, CA) compared to a citrate-based multi-purpose disinfecting solution used without manual rubbing, NO RUB OPTI-FREE EXPRESS (Alcon, Ft. Worth, TX).

METHODS

This randomized, investigator-masked, cross-over study was conducted with 64 subjects who underwent adaptation and were planned-replacement lens wearers. Each solution was used by the subject for 1 month, with a 1-week wash-out period during which the subject's own solutions were used. When new solutions were issued, new contact lenses also were dispensed.

RESULTS

The level of comfort, the primary endpoint of the study, in the evening (on a 50-point scale) was rated better with OPTI-FREE EXPRESS at the end of the 1-month period of wear (mean 39 vs. 37, P=0.03). Dryness, the most frequently reported symptom, occurred at a similar level of rating with both care systems (P >0.05). Few other clinically significant differences between the regimens were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall clinical performance of the citrate-based solution used without manual rubbing was similar to that of the solution containing HPMC. The subjective results of comfort-level and dryness with the two regimens demonstrated that the inclusion of HPMC did not provide unique performance advantages.