robert1 (01/17/83)
Re: mcnc.1464 and reaction to thimerosol in contact lens solution - A New Alternative for Soft Contact Lens Solution - I am currently suffering from a reaction to thimerosol, since I changed to a different saline solution for my soft contacts. This condition is indicated by follicles (bumps) on the eyelid, accompanied with redness and irritation of the eyeball (that is distinguishable from "normal" dryness and irritation caused by wearing your lenses too long, for example). The culprit is the bottled saline solution which contains preservatives. The particular irritant is thimerosol, which is a mercury derivative (it is clearly marked on the bottle) - some people typically do have reactions to it. Some alternatives to using this form of preserved saline is: - switching to a preservative free solution that is, by necessity, distributed in single-use plastic containers (costly) - using saline tablets to "make your own" solution, on demand (cheaper) - (A NEW ALTERNATIVE) switch to a saline solution that uses an ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) -based preservative I am told that the latter alternative has just been announced and will be available on your drugstore shelves in a couple of weeks. It should be priced competitively with the thimerosol-based preservative solution, and "should not cause a reaction." This is about all that I know, coming from my doctor, and should not be misconstrued as product endorsement. However, as soon as my redness and irritation dies down, I will be trying this stuff to see if this stuff is as good as it sounds. I mean, you can try it yourself, let me check it out, or wait 'til they pump rats full of it, eh? "C'mon in, the water's warm," Robert Duncan ihuxx!robert1 Bell Labs @ Naperville, IL