Discoloration of hydrogel contact lenses under standard care regimens.

Four types of hydrogel contact lenses (N = 164) were subjected to in vivo and in vitro standard care regimens for a period of six months. Lens care variables included: heat disinfection in Bausch and Lomb Sensitive Eyes saline solution; heat disinfection in Cooper Unisol 4 sterile, nonpreserved saline solution; American Optical/Reichert Lensept disinfection and storage in Sensitive Eyes saline; and Lensept disinfection and storage in Unisol 4 saline. The study was conducted to determine the conditions under which lens discoloration occurs. The 45% Bufilcon A (55% water) lens showed significant discoloration in vivo with both heat and Lensept disinfection when rinsed and soaked in sorbate-preserved saline, and in vitro when heat disinfected in sorbate-preserved saline.