Abstract
Purpose:
A concern for contact lens wearers is the long term integrity of the ocular tear film. Recent multipurpose contact lens disinfecting solution (MPDS) formulations have been designed, in part, to maintain ocular tear film integrity for up to 16 continuous hours. Maintenance of the ocular tear film may contribute to increased comfort and wear time. In addition, a stable tear film may result in a reduction in ocular irritation and contact lens associated red eye (CLARE) as well as corneal infections and ulceration. The purpose of the present study was to investigate, in a visual way, changes in the ocular tear film utilizing confocal slit lamp microscopy.
Methods:
Twenty subjects were examined over 3 visits. Subjects were fit (randomized) with either a Omafilcon-A (Proclear - PC) hydrogel or Balafilcon-A (PureVision - PV) silicone hydrogel contact lens in either eye. The lenses were pre-soaked overnight in either Revitalens or Puremoist MPDS or were obtained from the blister pack in a randomized process. Confocal images of the ocular tear film were obtained at baseline, at lens insertion, and after 8 hours of wear.
Results:
Confocal images of the ocular tear film were obtained. Untreated contact lenses from the blister pack displayed the highest propensity to disrupt the integrity of the ocular tear film over time. Omafilcon-A contact lenses were more commonly associated with a loss of ocular tear film integrity when compared with Balafilcon-A lenses. Revitalens treated contact lenses were associated with a high level of ocular tear film stability over time.
Conclusions:
Utilization of an MPDS appears to contribute to prolonged maintenance and stability of the ocular tear film when compared with untreated contact lenses directly from the blister pack. Revitalens appears to contribute to increased wettability of the ocular tear film - contact lens interface. This is likely to result in greater patient comfort and increased contact lens wear time as well as greater patient satisfaction. This may be due to reduced dryness leading to an increase in patient comfort. In addition, prolonged maintenance of the ocular tear film by Revitalens may lead to a lower incidence of corneal infiltrates and CLARE. It is important for clinicians to consider the role of contact lens MPDS such as Revitalens in ocular tear film maintenance when educating patients.
Keywords: 477 contact lens •
486 cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye