What’s an Alternative to Nutrifill?

If you wear scleral lenses, you already know that filling solution is essential. Scleral lenses vault over the cornea and create a fluid reservoir between the lens and the eye, so the saline you use matters for both comfort and eye health.

Nutrifill was a popular choice among scleral lens wearers across the country, but since its recall in June 2021, many patients have been looking for reliable alternatives. The good news is that several preservative-free saline options are available. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly recommended alternatives, along with practical details to help you choose.

Why Was Nutrifill Recalled?

Nutrifill was recalled due to a potential manufacturing issue identified by Contamac Solutions. While no adverse events were reported, the product was pulled from the market out of caution. Since then, Nutrifill has not returned to widespread availability, making it important for scleral lens wearers to have a go-to alternative.

Is Lacripure a Good Scleral Lens Filling Solution?

Lacripure is one of the most widely recommended alternatives. It is a preservative-free saline that comes in 5mL vials, which is smaller than the original Nutrifill vials. It does not contain added electrolytes the way Nutrifill did, but many scleral lens patients find it comfortable and convenient.

Lacripure is available on Amazon and is sometimes sold directly through eye care offices. You can purchase it in a large box of 98 vials or in smaller 7-vial strips. The smaller strip is a good option if you want to try it before committing to a larger supply.

What About ScleralFil?

ScleralFil is another preservative-free saline option. It comes in 10mL vials, which is the same size as the original Nutrifill vials. This makes it a natural fit for patients who preferred the larger volume. ScleralFil does not contain added electrolytes and is only available in the 10mL size. If you find that volume to be more than you need per fill, a smaller-vial option like Lacripure or Addipak may be a better match.

How Does Vibrant Vue Compare?

Vibrant Vue Saline is another preservative-free option that comes in convenient 5mL vials. If you found the 10mL Nutrifill bottles to be more than you needed, the smaller vial size may work well for you. Like the other options listed here, Vibrant Vue does not contain added electrolytes.

Is Addipak a Cost-Effective Alternative?

Addipak is a non-preserved saline available in 3mL and 5mL sizes. It is typically the least expensive option, which makes it appealing if cost is a concern. However, some practitioners have noted that the plastic packaging for Addipak can vary in sourcing, and there have been informal concerns about chemicals from certain plastics leaching into the solution, though peer-reviewed data was not cited in the source.

Can Your Doctor Write a Prescription for Saline?

Your doctor can write a prescription for non-preserved saline vials, which you can fill at a pharmacy. If you have insurance coverage, the saline may be available with a small co-pay or even at no cost. This is also a helpful backup option when you run out of your preferred filling solution or need saline while traveling.

At Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas, our scleral lens specialists, including Dr. Stephanie Woo, Dr. Nathan Schramm, and Dr. Thanh Mai, routinely provide written prescriptions for non-preserved saline alongside their recommended filling solutions. If you have not received a prescription for saline, ask at your next visit.

Tips for Choosing the Right Filling Solution

• Always use preservative-free saline to fill your scleral lenses. Preserved saline can cause irritation and is not recommended for use with scleral lenses.
• If you are switching from one solution to another, try a small quantity first to confirm comfort before purchasing in bulk.
• Store opened single-use vials according to the manufacturer instructions and never reuse a vial beyond its recommended timeframe.
• If you experience any redness, pain, or vision changes after switching solutions, remove your lenses and contact your eye care provider.

To discuss which scleral lens filling solution is best for your needs, schedule an appointment at Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas by calling 702-747-4070 or visiting www.insightvisionlv.com.