Multipurpose solutions (Opti-Free, ReNu) include chemicals designed to kill bacteria, and some people become sensitive to these products. I recommend a product called Clear Care. The active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, kills bacteria and other germs. Then, after six hours of soaking, the solution turns into saline.

For people who have trouble wearing contacts, one-day disposable lenses are another possibility. They are more expensive than the extended-wear lenses but don't require disinfectant solutions.

Can Supplements Protect Your Eyes?

There's evidence that nutritional supplements can help eye patients who have already been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration. A National Institutes of Health study found that patients with the disease who took a daily combination of beta-carotene (15 mg), vitamin C (500 mg), vitamin E (400 IU), zinc (80 mg) and copper (2 mg) were 25% less likely to progress to an advanced form of the disease.

This was an impressive finding, but there is no solid evidence that nutritional supplements prevent macular degeneration or other eye problems in healthy people.

Exception: Fish oil. Studies show that patients with mild-to-moderate eye dryness usually improve after taking oral supplements of fish oil. I advise patients to buy a product that contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and follow the dosage instructions on the label.