Abstract
Purpose: :
We evaluated a/ two multipurpose lens care solutions and soft contact lenses for cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5 standard (medical device biocompatibility) and b/ the protective effects of a new formulation made of hyaluronic acid and a marine ionic solution.
Methods: :
First, low water soft lens were laid on conjunctival cells (WKD human cell line) after being soaked in multipurpose solution (Optifree Express or Solocare Aqua). Cell morphology was microscopically observed. Second, conjunctival cells were preincubated for 20 minutes with hyaluronic acid at 0.2% in phosphate buffer saline, NaCl 0.9%, pure water or Lacrymer®, a marine ionic solution (Yslab, Quimper, France). Toxic stress was then induced using benzalkonium chloride preservative for 20 minutes. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT test.
Results: :
Contact lens soaked in the multipurpose solutions induced cell morphology alterations. Rinsing the lens with the marine solution improved cell viability and preincubating cells with hyaluronic acid in marine solution protected cells against cytotoxicity.
Conclusions: :
Multipurpose solutions can be damaging for the ocular surface cells. We proposed to rinse the lens with a marine solution before insertion of the lens on the cornea to wash away the multipurpose solution, and to use a new formulation made of hyaluronic acid and marine solution, specifically formulated by Yslab, to protect the ocular surface cells against preservatives cytotoxicity.
Keywords: conjunctiva • contact lens • cell survival