Product Review: Opti-Free Replenish Contact Lens Solution

Due to my astigmatism, I have always worn rigid gas permeable lenses. With those contact lenses, you had to use a cleaning solution and a separate storage solution. The cleaning solution was milky white and had to be rinsed off of the lenses completely to avoid eye irritations. The storage solution was clear and the lenses needed to be soaked overnight every night. You couldn't take a nap, let alone sleep all night, with those contact lenses on your eyes.

When I reached adulthood, manufacturers came up with soft contact lenses for people with astigmatism. I used Bausch and Lomb Renu with Moistureloc solution to clean my contact lenses. It was the first time I had used one solution to clean and store my contact lenses. Then last year, the solution was recalled because it caused eye threatening fungal infections. I was in a dilemma as to what solution to use to clean my contact lenses that would be safe for my lenses and my eyes.

My eye doctor gave me a sample of Opti-Free Replenish by Alcon. The solution is good for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing, and storage. The bottle said that it was a multi-purpose disinfecting solution which is what I needed. Opti-Free Replenish is also a "no rub" solution which cuts down the wear and tear on my contact lenses.

The first time I tried Opti-Free Replenish, I felt a difference right away. My contact lenses were clearer than ever before. There may have been some residual protein still left on my contact lenses before that affected the clarity of my vision. With Opti-Free Replenish the protein was completely removed by the solution. Alcon's solution contains an ingredient called TEARGLYDE™ which is a dual action reconditioning system.

The next thing I noticed was the comfort factor. As soon as the contact lens met my eye, I couldn't feel a thing. The increased comfort was a tremendous plus. I felt like I wasn't wearing anything at all. I can sleep in these lenses on a limited basis. When I wake up from a nap, I blink a lot for the first few minutes, but then the comfort I felt before I went to sleep, returns. Opti-Free Replenish retains moisture better to keep my contact lenses comfortable to my eyes even after sleep.

As with any medication, read the label for proper use instructions. The Opti-Free Replenish solution must be changed every day to maintain its high level of moisture and comfort for the eye. Reusing the solution could increase the protein build up on the lenses which could cause irritation to your eyes.

I would recommend Opti-Free Replenish for soft contact lens wearers and those former Renu users needing a new solution. My contact lenses have never felt better.