Clear Care and AOSept Contact Solution: What's the Difference?

When I first switched from glasses to contact lenses years ago, my eye doctor started me out with a standard "no-rub" contact lens solution to use to clean and store my lenses. This solution worked fine for a while, but then I began to notice that after wearing my contact lenses for a few hours, my eyes would begin to feel extremely dry and irritated. I got by using rewetting drops for a bit of time, but this was not a convenient or permanent solution. Finally, I talked to my optometrist about it and he told me that I should switch from a "no-rub" contact solution to a hydrogen peroxide based contact solution, such as AOSept.

The one big difference between AOSept and other contact lens solutions is that you can never put AOSept solution directly in your eye. Because the active ingredient in the solution is hydrogen peroxide, the solution must be neutralized before it can come in direct contact with your eye. This means that in addition to buying the AOSept solution, you must also use a special case that is designed to hold an AODisc, which is a small, metallic object which neutralizes the solution. Because the AOSept system requires the purchase of all three components, it can be somewhat more expensive than regular, no-rub lens solutions.

I switched back to glasses from contacts for a while, but then wanted to wear contacts again, so I scheduled myself for another eye exam. During my exam, I told my optometrist that I used to use AOSept contact lens solution. He told me he would recommend a new product line called Clear Care, which is made by CIBA Vision, the same company as AOSept. Following his advice, I went to the store and purchased a bottle of Clear Care solution. When I got home and opened the package, I was quite surprised. Inside was a bottle of solution, as well as a familiar looking case with a metallic disc at the bottom. As it turns out, Clear Care and AOSept are the exact same system, just sold differently. The bottle of Clear Care solution, which included the case and disc, was much cheaper than purchasing the components of the AOSept system seperately.

If you still use AOSept contact lens solution, you should definitely switch to the Clear Care contact lens system. Not only is it cheaper, but it is also much more convenient to have everything come in the same package. AOSept will continue to be sold to those who don't know about Clear Care, but smart consumers will definitely make the switch. For more information about the Clear Care contact lens solution, visit the website listed in the resources section of this article.