n a previous article, it was shown that tap water is a frequent component of the habitual lens care in rigid gas permeable lens users. Although most would agree that tap water immediately before insertion should be avoided, it is not clear whether its use before disinfection is appropriate. A comparison of lens case contamination was performed with a crossover design to compare the use of tap water with that of sterile saline for rinsing after cleaning and before disinfection. Each rinsing technique was used for a period of 90 days, at which time the case was cultured. Patient attitudes regarding the two rinsing techniques were obtained at the end of the 6-month study. No difference in the frequency of contamination was found between the two techniques.
