Abstract
Purpose::
To analyze the tear protein profiles of non-contact lens wearers, and of contact lens wearers using different multipurpose solutions (MPS) for cleaning and storage.
Methods::
Wearers of soft contact lenses were recruited and allocated to use either Optifree Express, Optifree Replenish, or AMO Complete Plus for 4 weeks (n = 20 in each group). Tears were collected and analyzed before starting use of solutions, and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after starting use. Tears were also collected and analyzed from 20 control patients (non-contact lens wearers), who were not exposed to either MPS. Specific protein biomarkers were found by means of ProteinChips (SELDI-TOF) and LC-MALDI with subsequent multivariate statistics and artificial neural networks, and identified using tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS).
Results::
Before starting use of solutions, tear protein composition in all contact lens wearers deviated from tear composition in normal controls (non-contact lens wearers). After 4 weeks using the different care regimens, tear protein composition of patients using OptiFree Express and OptiFree Replenish were further deviated from normal. In contrast, tear protein composition of patients using Complete Plus returned towards normal. In fact, the tear composition of over 50% of Complete Plus users was classified as "normal" rather than "contact lens wearer" at 4 weeks. Using Complete Plus, a decrease of inflammatory markers and an increase of potentially protective markers could be clearly demonstrated.
Conclusions::
Contact lens wear alters tear protein profiles in a complex manner. The use of multipurpose solutions such as Complete can return the tear profile towards normal.
Keywords: proteomics • contact lens • regeneration