Contact lens keep getting better, with new materials that stay comfortable longer and offer more options, like correcting astigmatism, multi-focal disposables and progressive lenses.

But there's a trend in the industry that I don't much care for -- the push towards all-in-one solutions that clean, rinse and disinfect.

Yes, all-in-ones are convenient, and certainly good for occasional use (like travel). The problem is, they don't do any one job nearly well as products formulated for each task. And that may lead to more contact lens irritation and infection.

I strongly recommend using a separate daily cleaner -- followed by a good saline rinsing.

As to which brands: you have to try them for yourself. I don't think any one brand is superior to the others, but some patients do find certain brands more effective. Here are the brands on the market today:

1. Miraflow Extra Strength Daily Cleaner (CIBA)
2. Lens Plus Daily Cleaner
3. Pliagel
4. B&L Sensitive Eyes Daily Cleaner
5. Opti-Free Daily Cleaner (Alcon)