The Science Behind How Does Nutrifill Work
For individuals with specialty contact lenses like sclerals, the solution used for insertion is critical. A standard, unbuffered saline can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential long-term issues, especially with limited tear exchange under a scleral lens. This is where the science behind Nutrifill truly shines.
Nutrifill is engineered to mimic the body's natural tears as closely as possible. This "physiologic balance" is achieved by replicating two key properties of tears: their pH and their osmolality. The solution's pH is maintained at 7.4, matching the healthy eye, and its osmolality is set at 300 mOsm/kg. This prevents the delicate corneal cells from being stressed by a solution that is too acidic, too alkaline, or too concentrated.
The Role of Essential Electrolytes
Beyond a balanced pH and osmolality, Nutrifill's patented formula includes a unique blend of five essential electrolytes also found in natural tears: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. While sodium is present in standard saline, the inclusion of the other four elements is what sets Nutrifill apart.
These electrolytes are vital for corneal health and cellular function. During long hours of scleral lens wear, the tear film under the lens is stagnant and doesn't exchange with fresh tears, which can cause epithelial cells to experience stress from a nutrient-depleted environment. By bathing the cornea in a solution rich with these specific ions, Nutrifill helps support the cornea's metabolic needs and reduces the potential for cellular stress.
Preservative-Free for Ultimate Comfort
Another fundamental aspect of how Nutrifill works is its preservative-free formula. Many contact lens solutions contain chemical preservatives to prevent microbial growth. However, for sensitive eyes, severe dry eye sufferers, and specialty lens wearers, these preservatives can cause or exacerbate irritation, inflammation, and allergic reactions. By providing Nutrifill in convenient single-use vials, the need for preservatives is eliminated, ensuring a gentle, non-irritating experience with each use.
Comparison: Nutrifill vs. Standard Saline
To better understand Nutrifill's benefits, it's helpful to compare it directly with a standard, non-buffered saline solution.
| Feature | Nutrifill | Standard Preservative-Free Saline |
|---|---|---|
| Electrolyte Composition | Contains five essential electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate). | Primarily Sodium Chloride. |
| pH Level | Physiologically balanced at 7.4 to match natural tears. | Can be less stable and potentially more acidic depending on buffering. |
| Osmolality | Formulated at 300 mOsm/kg to match natural tears. | Typically isotonic but lacks the specific balance of natural tears. |
| Effect on Cornea | Minimizes cellular stress and supports corneal health with nutrients. | Can potentially stress corneal cells with prolonged, low-exchange wear. |
| Comfort Level | Enhanced, long-lasting comfort, often reducing symptoms like fogging and irritation. | Basic hydration, may lead to dryness or irritation over time for some wearers. |
| Availability | Available in larger, single-use 10ml vials for convenience. | Often available in smaller vials. |
| Buffering System | Uses a phosphate buffer, which is a key differentiator. | May be borate-buffered or lack complex buffering, potentially causing intolerance. |
The Clinical Experience with Nutrifill
Numerous eye care professionals and scleral lens patients have reported significant improvements after switching to Nutrifill. The benefits are most notable for those who struggle with persistent dry eye symptoms, corneal fogging, or general discomfort during long hours of wear. The formula's close resemblance to natural tears is often cited as the reason for this enhanced tolerability and reduced ocular surface inflammation.
Who Benefits from Nutrifill?
- Scleral Lens Wearers: The primary target audience, as the limited tear exchange under these large lenses makes the insertion solution’s composition especially important for long-term corneal health.
- Dry Eye Patients: Individuals with conditions like Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Ocular Surface Disease find relief from irritation and dryness due to the gentle, tear-like formula.
- Hybrid and Gas Permeable (GP) Lens Users: Nutrifill can also be used for rinsing these lenses before insertion, providing a gentler alternative to other solutions.
Conclusion: A Mindful Solution for Advanced Lens Wear
Nutrifill works by providing a thoughtfully designed, physiologically balanced solution that goes beyond basic hydration. Its patented formula, with a natural tear-mimicking electrolyte profile, stable pH, and ideal osmolality, is engineered to support corneal cell health and deliver superior, long-lasting comfort. The preservative-free, single-use vial format further ensures the gentlest possible experience, particularly for those with sensitive eyes or severe dry eye. For specialty lens wearers, Nutrifill represents a significant advancement in comfort and ocular surface health. As always, consult your eye care professional to determine if Nutrifill is the right choice for your specific needs.
Visit the official Contamac website for more detailed information.
How to Use Nutrifill for Scleral Lenses
- Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Open the Vial: Twist the top of a single-use Nutrifill vial to open it. Ensure you are using a new, sterile vial each time.
- Rinse the Lens: Before filling, you can use Nutrifill to rinse off any debris from the lens surface after cleaning.
- Fill the Lens: Hold the scleral lens like a bowl and fill it completely with the Nutrifill solution to create a reservoir of fluid.
- Insert the Lens: Carefully insert the lens into your eye as instructed by your eye care professional, ensuring no air bubbles are trapped underneath.
- Discard Vial: Throw away any remaining solution in the vial and the vial itself, as it is for single use only to maintain sterility.
