Bausch and Lomb highlights need for proper contact lens care

Bausch and Lomb has published a new report to raise awareness of the need to clean contact lenses using properly tested and approved solutions only.

The ocular health specialist has conducted a survey showing that 20 percent of UK contact lens users have at some point used a substance other than their specially designated contact lens solutions to clean their eyewear.

Most commonly, the substance in question was saliva or tap water, which can carry risks of infection, while more unusual alternatives such as baby oil, petroleum jelly, fruit juice and butter could be even more harmful.

Dr Michael Pier, director of professional relations for Bausch and Lomb, said it is vital that contact lens users stick to products that have been recommended by eye care professionals.

"It's crucial for contact lens wearers to follow proper contact lens hygiene to maintain eye health and to keep their lenses clean and comfortable," he said.

This comes in the same week that the company – which manufactures the cleaning solution Biotrue – announced the acquisition of the Argentinean contact lens company Waicon.