WHY RUB?!

Many of our patients use multipurpose contact lens solutions to care for their lenses. They are convenient and usually less expensive than buying a multi-bottle system. They are advertised often as “NO RUB” solutions making it very appealing to the consumer. The problem is they just don’t clean as well when used as directed. Most directions suggest something like a 20 second rinse on both sides of your contacts.
Let’s go to the kitchen for an analogy. If you bake a casserole and just put the dirty pan in the dishwasher, it will come out 90-95% clean with either a film or clumps of dried food in places. If you reuse that dish it will continue to build food deposits in those places and more. If you wash it by hand, it’s completely clean.
When you think about it, it’s pretty obvious that rubbing your contact lenses will result in a cleaner surface. Cleaner contacts mean they feel better and you reduce your risk of getting infections. So, go ahead and buy that multi-purpose “No Rub” solution because it is easier than using a separate daily cleaner, BUT MAKE SURE YOU RUB! And do it every day!! Or better yet, wear daily disposable contacts lenses! Not only are they healthier for you, but you don’t have to worry about rubbing, buying solutions, or cases or how old your lenses are. And they are LESS expensive when you factor all of the costs associated with contacts!