Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) quietly introduced RevitaLens OcuTec to consumers in 2010. With this new multipurpose solution, AMO sought to harness broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity for superior disinfection of contact lenses; achieve disinfection without ocular surface toxicity, adverse events, or discomfort; maintain disinfection under real-world conditions; and anticipate FDA changes in standards.

The FDA continues to debate ways to improve contact lens solution safety, including methods of testing efficacy and recommending a rub and rinse step during the cleaning processes.¹ The current testing methods for contact lens solutions are the stand alone test (the “no rub”) and the regime test (rub and rinse). The stand alone test indicates a higher level of antimicrobial activity and is tied to the product label multipurpose disinfecting solution (MPDS), where the regime testing requires the rub and rinse step to achieve disinfection and is labeled as a multipurpose solution (MPS).

RevitaLens OcuTec passed the MPDS stand alone test; however, because research has shown that the rub and rinse step removes four times more deposits contact lenses compared to rinsing alone, AMO is a proponent of the rub and rinse step and specifies this routine on the package instructions.²

The OcuTec activity of RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS is an interactive system consisting of disinfecting and buffering agents. Two disinfectants—alexidine dihydrochloride and polyquaterium-1—work in concert with the chelating agent EDTA, and a buffering system that includes boric acid, to perform all of the functions essential to contact lens care, disinfection without ocular surface toxicity. The combined disinfecting agents provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, while a citrate buffer prevents the uptake of polyquaternium-1 by contact lenses. EDTA and the buffering system work together to chemically bind proteins to prevent their attachment to the lens surface.

We all know that patients are seldom 100% compliant; one study showed poor compliance causes 80% or more of contact lens-related problems.³ Solution-related compliance issues include the re-use of  lens solution, under-filling contact lens case wells, “topping off” solution in the contact lens case and failure to securely cap of the contact lens case during soaking.⁴ These compliance issues can increase the concentration of product ingredients, which can alter the chemistry and antimicrobial efficacy.

AMO set out to create a solution that would perform well under real world conditions. Several studies have shown RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS performed well when exposed to common environmental pathogens, partial evaporation and with silicone hydrogel and other contact lenses.^5-9 The solution has been demonstrated to be highly effective under adverse conditions, delivering high microorganism kill rates and effectively killing Acanthamoeba and Fusarium. It has shown low corneal staining, limited adverse events and is formulated to help minimize ocular sensitivities.^10,11 RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS is compatible with silicone hydrogel and conventional lens materials and has shown excellent comfort at insertion and over wearing time.^7,12

While RevitaLens OcuTec MPDS has made a quiet initial introduction with consumers, its novel formulation could make a loud noise in the business of contact lens care. 

1. FDA. Ensuring Safe Use of Contact Lens Solution. 2009 Jun. Available at: www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm164197.htm. (Accessed March 2011).
2. Powell H, Hoong L, Huth S, et al. Lipid and Protein Removal from Silicone Hydrogel Lenses by a Rub Versus a No-Rub Multipurpose Solution Using Infrared Analysis of Clinically Worn Lenses. Poster presented at ARVO meeting, May 3-7, 2009; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
3. Donshik PC, Ehlers WH, Anderson LD, Sushecki JK. Strategies to better engage, educate, and empower patient compliance and safe lens wear: Compliance: What we know, what we do not know, and what we need to know. Eye Contact Lens. 2007 Nov;33(6 Pt.2):430-3.
4. Yung AM, Boost MV, Cho P, Yap M. The effect of a compliance enhancement strategy (self-review) on the level of lens care compliance and contamination of contact lenses and lens care accessories. Clin Exp Optom. 2007 May;90(3):190-202.
5. Kilvington S, Nikolic M, Lam A, et al. Antimicrobial efficacy of contact lens care solutions and a new experimental multi-purpose formulation against bacteria, fungi and Acanthamoeba. Poster presented at British Contact Lens Association’s 34th Clinical Conference and Exhibition, May 27-30, 2010; Birmingham, UK.
6. Powell H, Hoong L, Kilvington S, et al. Evaporation effects on the efficacy of contact lens multi-purpose solutions. Poster presented at British Contact Lens Association’s 34th Clinical Conference and Exhibition, May 27-30, 2010; Birmingham, UK.
7. Tarantino N, Kao EY, Huang LC, Ziegler DA. A clinical safety and acceptability evaluation of a novel multi-purpose disinfecting solution. Poster presented at British Contact Lens Association’s 34th Clinical Conference and Exhibition, May 27-30, 2010; Birmingham, UK.
8. Abbott Medical Optics Inc. Data on file - 103, 2010. Santa Ana, CA.
9. Kilvington S, Huth S, Powell H, et al. New Complete RevitaLens Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Solution for contact lenses: A review of alexidine dihydrochloride and microbiological performance. 2010 Jun. Data on file, AMO.
10. Kilvington S, Huang L, Kao E, et al. Development of a new contact lens multipurpose solution: Comparative analysis of microbiological, biological and clinical performance. J Optom. 2010; 3(3);134-42.
11. Tilia D, Jalbert I, Carnt N, et al. Evaluation of solution toxicity associated with lens care products during silicone hydrogel lens wear. Paper presented at the American Academy of Optometry meeting, 2006; Denver, Colo.
12. Tilia D, Lazon de la Jara P, Weng R, et al. Clinical evaluation of a new contact lens solution when used in conjunction with two silicone hydrogel lenses during short-term wear. Poster presented at British Contact Lens Association Meeting, May 27-30, 2010; Birmingham, UK.