GP insights
A New Solution for Cleaning And Disinfecting GP Lenses
BY LORETTA B. SZCZOTKA, OD, MS, FAAO

Figure 1. Protein removal capability before and after Progent and traditional enzyme.

Menicon Progent is a "solution" to disinfect and clean GP lenses effortlessly. Gone are the days that I will think about polishing lenses to remove adhered protein and other deposits. This in-office disinfection system seems to strip a lens of deposits after a 30-minute soak with no hand polishing or digital cleaning required (although cleaning with a daily cleaner first is recommended) (Figure 1). The system consists of mixing two 5 ml ampules and soaking the lenses for 30 minutes. Ampule A contains sodium hypochlorite, Ampule B contains potassium bromide as the active ingredient.

Although Progent is chiefly recommended as an intensive cleaning solution for removing protein deposits, it also has tremendous bactericidal, virucidal and amoebicidal efficacy. It has been shown to be effective against bacteria, molds, yeasts, viruses and Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts even after a five-minute soak (Table 1). Specifically, Progent has been shown to deactivate the following virus strains: Polio virus type 1 equivalence for HIV, Orthopox virus, Bovine Rota virus, Herpes Simplex virus type 1, and Adenovirus type 5.

	Figure 2. Efficacy of microbial disinfection.

Based on published results, and the positive experiences noticed in our office and by our patients, it is a clear "solution" to many of my GP needs. It cleans the lenses effortlessly, but also gives us assurance of bactericidal and virucidal activities. I find this extremely reassuring when disinfecting trial lenses between patients, especially those suspected of contaminating the trial lens with any concerning organism. It is also interesting to note that the solution will clean and disinfect the lens containers as well.

For protein removal, although the package insert recommends monthly usage, I find it effective to recommend in-office cleaning in Progent every six months for high or hyper Dk GP lenses. It is manufactured in Germany and distributed by Menicon America, Inc. through Con-Cise Contact Lens as well as ABB Optical.

Dr. Szczotka is an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University Dept. of Ophthalmology and Director of the Contact Lens Service at University Hospitals of Cleveland.