- Aloe vera is an ingredient in certain contact lens solutions and eye care products, and its function within the product is detailed in the European product documentation.
- A solution containing aloe vera is not a substitute for disinfection: the function of each product is specified in the manufacturer’s product information.
- Claims regarding anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effects should not be included in product communications without evidence to support the claim for that product.
- Symptoms of dry eyes among contact lens wearers increase in conditions involving heat, air conditioning and prolonged screen use.
- The contact lens specialist determines which product is suitable based on the type of lens, the symptoms and the product information.
Aloe vera in contact lens solution tends to raise more questions than it answers, and this is due to the claims circulating about it. For the professional at the counter, the distinction that matters is simple: on the one hand, there is what the European product documentation actually states about composition and use; on the other, there is what is said about aloe vera in the market without any substantiation. The question usually arises in a familiar practical situation, namely when dealing with complaints of dryness caused by heat, air conditioning and prolonged screen work. In this blog, we discuss what aloe vera is in a liquid or eye care product, in which products it is found, what you are permitted to say about it, and how to discuss dryness complaints with a contact lens wearer. This article does not attribute any effects that are not stated in the product information, and refers to the manufacturer’s documentation for every product claim.
What does aloe vera do in contact lens solution?
Aloe vera is an ingredient in certain contact lens solutions and eye care products. The function of that ingredient in a specific product is set out in the manufacturer’s European product documentation and varies from product to product. That documentation is the only source you should use for this information. Claims regarding effects not mentioned therein have no place in advice given to contact lens wearers or in product communications.
It helps to distinguish between three things: the composition, the intended use and the mode of action. The composition is the list of ingredients. The intended use is what the manufacturer states the product is intended for, for example, which type of lens it is suitable for and the instructions for use. The mode of action is what the product does when used. These three aspects are listed separately in the product information, and this distinction is particularly important in the case of an ingredient such as aloe vera: the mere presence of a substance in the composition does not, in itself, indicate any medical effect. Anyone wishing to read up on the basics of lens solutions will find this in the explanation of what lens solution is.
Which products containing aloe vera are available in the range?
In the SMEYEL range, aloe vera is found, amongst other products, in Alvera, an all-in-one solution for soft contact lenses, and in Lacrifresh Aloe from the eye care range. Details of which lens type a product is intended for, the available pack sizes and the instructions for use can be found on the product page and in the manufacturer’s product information. Please check this information for each product before giving advice.
The difference in function is significant. The Alvera all-in-one solution is designed for the care of soft contact lenses and serves the purpose specified in the product information. The Lacrifresh Aloe eye drops are intended for eye care and have a different application. An eye care product is not a contact lens solution, and a contact lens solution is not an eye drop, even if both contain aloe vera. Check the manufacturer on the Avizor brand page and consult the relevant product information for each product before giving any advice.
What claims can and cannot be made about aloe vera in eye care products?
You should only make claims about a medical device that are stated in the product documentation and relate to its intended use. Anti-inflammatory or antibacterial effects do not fall within this scope unless they have been substantiated for that specific product. Claims regarding the restoration of the eye’s moisture balance are also excluded. Instead, describe what the product is intended for and for which type of lens.
It helps to distinguish between legally required product information, manufacturer claims and general professional advice. Legally required information and manufacturer claims are set out in the product documentation and are specific to the intended use. Professional advice is the context you, as a professional, provide, without thereby attributing any specific effect to a product. An antibacterial claim is particularly sensitive, as disinfection in lens care is a regulated function: for this function, you should refer to all-in-one solutions and peroxide systems for contact lenses, the disinfecting function of which is stated in the product information. The regulatory framework for this is set out by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate. The requirements for claims and product information are derived from the European Medical Devices Regulation 2017/745.
Why do symptoms of dry eyes increase in hot weather, around air conditioning and when working at a computer screen?
In hot weather and in air-conditioned rooms, the air is drier, causing the tear film to evaporate more quickly. When working at a screen for long periods, people blink less frequently, meaning the tear film is not refreshed as regularly. For contact lens wearers, these two effects coincide with wearing a lens on the eye. Complaints of a dry, burning or gritty sensation are more common in these circumstances.
In practice, this means that the environment is often more significant than the product itself. You should therefore ask in which situations the symptoms occur: in an air-conditioned office, during long periods spent looking at a screen, in the car with the air vent blowing directly into the eyes, or outdoors in windy and hot conditions. This description often points more to the circumstances than to the solution itself. The background to comfort and dryness complaints associated with contact lens wear is described on oogartsen.nl under ‘problems and complications’, whilst the explanation for the wearer themselves can be found on thuisarts.nl under ‘complaints relating to contact lenses’. The Dutch Optometrists’ Association provides professional context regarding dry eye symptoms and contact lens wear.
How do you discuss symptoms of dry eyes with a contact lens wearer?
Start by asking questions: how long the problem has been present, under what circumstances it occurs, how long the lenses are worn each day and which solution is used. Then check the patient’s daily routine and hygiene. Only once you have a complete picture should you consider changing the solution, lens type or wearing time. Do not promise results and make a record of the advice you have given.
A short questionnaire helps to clarify the situation: the duration and timing of the complaint, the number of hours the lenses are worn each day, the product used, the circumstances in which the problem occurs, and how the wearer cares for their lenses. When selecting the appropriate solution, ensure you check the lens type for which a product is intended and follow the instructions for use, as this combination cannot be interchanged. Background information on hygiene and daily routines can be found on oogartsen.nl under ‘Contact lens care’. The General Dutch Association of Contact Lens Specialists describes the procedure for assessing and managing comfort-related complaints.
When should you refer a contact lens wearer to an ophthalmologist?
Refer the patient if they experience pain, increasing redness, sudden loss of vision, discharge or symptoms that do not improve after adjusting their care routine. These symptoms are not typical of ordinary dry eye symptoms and require assessment by a doctor. Advise the wearer to remove the lenses in such situations and record the symptoms you have observed and the advice you have given.
The distinction between a minor discomfort and a warning sign can be made during a consultation: a dry or gritty sensation that occurs under certain circumstances is different from pain, an eye that is becoming increasingly red, or a sudden deterioration in vision. In the latter cases, caution is advised and a referral is necessary. One reason never to use water for lens care, not even for rinsing, is the risk of infection: you can read why water is unsuitable in the article ‘Cleaning lenses with water or washing-up liquid’. The Oogfonds provides background information on severe infections, specifically Acanthamoeba keratitis, whilst Dutch research into infections among contact lens wearers is detailed in the RIVM’s FUSACA study.
Points to consider when recommending solutions containing aloe vera
Before giving advice, check a set number of points for each product: the type of lens the product is intended for, the instructions for use, the warnings, the shelf life after opening as stated in the product information, and whether or not the product is intended for disinfection. Do not copy wording from older web texts or promotional material without checking it against the current product documentation. This ensures your advice remains in line with what the manufacturer and the regulations state, and that any statements about an ingredient such as aloe vera are limited to what the product information actually covers.
If you’d like to know what’s available and in what pack sizes, check the available pack sizes on the product page or discuss your needs with our team. For contact lens wearers: ask your contact lens specialist which product is suitable. A wearer should not choose a solution themselves, as the choice depends on the type of lens and the instructions for use. The supervision of the sale and distribution of these products lies with the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate, which further emphasises that product claims must be substantiated.
This information is of a general nature and is not a substitute for personal advice. If you have any concerns or are in any doubt, please consult your contact lens specialist, optician or (eye) doctor.
Frequently asked questions about aloe vera in contact lens solution and eye drops
What is aloe vera in contact lens solution?
It is an ingredient in the formulation of certain products. What it does in that specific product and the purpose for which it has been included is set out in the manufacturer’s European product documentation. That documentation is the only source you should use for this information. The mere presence of a substance in the formulation does not in itself mean that it has a medicinal effect: the composition, intended use and effect are specified separately in the product information. For professionals, this means that any statement regarding aloe vera must always be based on what has been specified for that particular product, and not on a general description of the ingredient. In this way, the advice given to the contact lens wearer remains verifiable and within the boundaries applicable to product communication.
Does a solution containing aloe vera disinfect?
Whether a product is intended for disinfection is stated in the product information and depends on the product type. An ingredient such as aloe vera does not indicate whether the product has a disinfecting function. Always check this function in the product information and not in a summary. In lens care, disinfection is a regulated function, and for this function you should look at the product type intended for that purpose, such as an all-in-one solution or a peroxide system, with the disinfecting effect as stated by the manufacturer. A product whose function is not described as disinfecting in the documentation must not be presented as such. Therefore, never give the impression that an aloe vera solution can replace disinfection, as this could lead a wearer to use it unsafely.
Is it correct to say that aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties?
Not without evidence to support this claim for this product and this application. Anti-inflammatory action is a therapeutic effect, and you cannot attribute that to a lens solution or any of its ingredients. Such a claim relates to pharmacological action and falls outside the scope of what may be stated about a medical device based on the product information. Even a disclaimer does not make the claim permissible. If the manufacturer includes similar information in the European documentation, you must reproduce it verbatim, citing the source, and must not rephrase it freely. Instead of making a claim about how the product works, describe what the product is intended for and which type of lens it is suitable for, and refer to the manufacturer’s product information for the rest.
Which products in the range contain aloe vera?
These include Alvera, an all-in-one solution for soft contact lenses, and Lacrifresh Aloe from the eye care range. Check the product page and product information for the lens type, packaging and instructions for use. It is important to distinguish between the two: Alvera is intended for the care of soft lenses and serves that specific purpose, whilst Lacrifresh Aloe is an eye care product with a different application. An eye care product and a lens solution are not interchangeable, even if both contain aloe vera. Please check the relevant documentation for each product before giving advice, and use the product page to view the current packaging and specifications. This will ensure that the advice you give is consistent with what is actually available and described.
Why do contact lens wearers experience dry eyes more often in air-conditioned environments?
Air conditioning makes the air drier, causing the tear film to evaporate more quickly. Combined with wearing a lens and reduced blinking whilst working at a computer screen, complaints of a dry sensation become more common. For a contact lens wearer, these effects accumulate: the drier air, the presence of the lens and reduced blinking whilst concentrating on work all coincide. This explains why complaints tend to arise specifically in the office or during long periods of screen work, and are less common outside these situations. In practice, this suggests that you should first consider the circumstances before turning your attention to the product itself. Sometimes, making adjustments to the working environment or blinking behaviour can provide valuable insights, and only then should you consider whether a change in care routine or lens type is appropriate.
What should you ask for if you’re experiencing dry eyes?
How long the symptom has been present, the circumstances in which it occurs, the daily wearing time, the solution used and the daily routine. This overall picture determines whether an adjustment to care, lens type or wearing time is advisable. Also ask at what time of day the discomfort is at its worst, as discomfort that arises towards the end of the day suggests a different issue to discomfort that is present all day. In addition, check the hygiene and the way in which the wearer stores and cleans their lenses. Only once you have a complete picture should you consider making an adjustment. Do not promise a specific outcome; make a record of the questions you have asked and the advice you have given, and, if necessary, schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the effect.
Can a contact lens wearer choose a different solution themselves?
The choice depends on the type of lens and the instructions for use, and these cannot be interchanged. Contact lens wearers should always check with their contact lens specialist to find out which product is suitable. A solution intended for a particular type of lens is not automatically suitable for another lens, and mixing products can lead to problems. For the professional, this means making it clear to the wearer that the choice is a professional judgement and not a matter of personal preference or the price on the shelf. If in doubt, refer the wearer to their contact lens specialist and specify which product is suitable for which type of lens. This will prevent a wearer from switching to a solution that is unsuitable for their lenses on their own initiative.
Can water be used for contact lens care?
No. Tap water is not suitable for cleaning or storing contact lenses. Only use a product intended for this purpose, as specified in the product information, and follow the instructions for use. Tap water and even distilled water may contain micro-organisms that pose a risk to lenses and lens cases. A well-known example is eye infection caused by Acanthamoeba, a microorganism found in water. Therefore, never rinse or store your lenses in water, and do not allow a lens case to come into contact with water. Advise the wearer to use only the solution intended for this purpose, to clean the case as instructed and to replace it on time. This is one of the most important hygiene rules for contact lens wear and should be reiterated in case of doubt or if any symptoms arise.
When should a contact lens wearer see an ophthalmologist?
In the event of pain, increasing redness, sudden loss of vision, discharge or symptoms that do not improve after adjusting your care routine, advise the patient to remove their lenses and contact us immediately. These symptoms are not consistent with ordinary dry eye symptoms and require assessment by a doctor. It is important for the professional to distinguish between a comfort issue related to circumstances or care and a warning sign that may indicate a complication. If in doubt, err on the side of caution: ask the wearer to remove their lenses and refer them on. Record the symptoms you have identified and the advice you have given. This ensures your own guidance is transparent and that a wearer with a more serious complaint is referred to the appropriate healthcare provider in good time.
Where can you find out what you’re allowed to say about a product?
In the manufacturer’s European product documentation and within the framework for medical devices. Do not reproduce wording from older web texts or promotional material without checking it against the product documentation. The documentation describes the composition, intended use, instructions for use and warnings, and these together define the limits of what you are permitted to say about a product. The regulatory framework – including the role of the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate and the European Medical Devices Regulation – also determines which claims are permissible. Any statement not included in the documentation should not appear in the advice or in product communications, even if it has been on a page somewhere for years. If in doubt, check the most recent documentation with the manufacturer or supplier.
