The College of Optometrists

I was wondering what the recommended CL sols for hayfever sufferers was? Are all the multi-purpose sols as effective as each other? I presume it's better to rub and rinse to remove the allergens.

Will hydrogen peroxide oxidise pollen? I suppose it's an organic compound therefore it must be oxidised by peroxide?

Your opinions/experiences?

if a px has hay fevour then they could try oral treatment ie loratadine or cetirizine. They should limit their wear and use dailies. If the SAC is at all bad - then pack in the wear until its better. CL's can make it worse and will be smeary anyway. (why flog the poor old eyes?)

All multi purpose do the job - but some are better with dry eyes than others. All can form alleric reactions. All are better if rubbed.

H2o2 won't stop pollen - never heard of that one and is itself not a cleaner only a disinfector. So you would need a daily cleaner.

I like the new sola aqua for general use - new products are worth the extra price anyday and it makes lenses very comfy.

Hydrogen peroxide (although not a new product) survives because it essentially is broken down to sterile water and is therefore less likely to cause allergic reaction.

I would agree with Palfi though that a daily disposable might be more efficacious in minimising the symptoms of hay fever if any lens has to be worn.

There is some research which shows that the use of daily lenses can actually reduce the effects of hayfever on the eyes.I guess it may be that the pollen is absorbed into the lens which is then discarded as opposed to buliding up on the tissues of the eye?I tend to use dailies or peroxide solution for monthly lens wearers who have more severe hayfever responses.

I found that patients could continue lens wear whilst using opticrom to control hayfever. Despite the warnings on the label, work done the U.S. sometime ago reported that ingredients did not concentrate in monthly lenses and so I tried it and it works!

martin - are we talking 2% or OTC?

OTC. The manufacturers put the "no lens wear" warnings on these products to avoid having to do the clinicals. It's simpler for them to say don't do it than risk a problem. Remember these products were around when 38% HEMA was the only choice in soft lenses and the concern was that BZK would concentrate in the lens over the 18 month or longer life of the product. About 5 years ago I stumbled across some work done in the US which measured the uptake in monthly wear 55% Ocular Sciences lenses and one other. The result was that it did not occur in a modern thin 55% content lens!I have had no reactions - just happy Pxs.

I am a hayfever sufferer and can use opticrom happily with dailies but have not risked it with any patients.i think the biggest problem would be that you would be contradicting the advice on the bottle of the opticrom and if something did go wrong you could then be in trouble.

I agree if you just wing it. I made a considered judgement after seeing some clinicals and gave what I considered to be best advice.