Combined Effect of Comfort and Adverse Events on Contact Lens Performance

Assessing neophyte response to daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses: A randomised clinical trial investigation over one month

OBJECTIVE

This randomised clinical trial assessed the impact on symptoms, tear film dynamics and ocular surface integrity of daily disposable silicone-hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) over a month, paying special attention to lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and its implications for CL discomfort.

METHODS

Neophyte CL wearers (n = 44, 21.09 ± 5.00 years old) were randomly assigned to either the experimental (n = 24) or control group (n = 20). Participants assigned to the experimental group were required to wear daily disposable CLs for 1 month for at least 8 h/day and 6 days/week. All participants were healthy subjects (no history of ocular surgery or active ocular disease) with spherical refractive errors between -8.00 and +5.00 D and cylindrical power <0.75 D. At the baseline and 1-month sessions, the Dry Eye Questionnaire 5 (DEQ-5) was completed, together with the measurement of tear film osmolarity with the TearLab osmometer, tear meniscus height (TMH) and lipid layer pattern (LLP) using a slit-lamp with Tearscope Plus attached, fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), maximum blink interval (MBI), corneal staining with fluorescein under cobalt blue light and LWE with lissamine green under slit lamp and halogen white light.

RESULTS

At the baseline session, LWE showed a negative correlation with DEQ-5 (r = -0.37, p = 0.02). Significant differences in FBUT and LWE (p = 0.04) and a positive correlation between LWE and DEQ-5 (r = 0.49, p = 0.007) were observed at 1 month. Intrasession analysis at 1 month showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in DEQ-5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02). Intersession analysis in the experimental group showed variations in DEQ-5, FBUT and LWE (all p ≤ 0.02) but no significant variation in the control group (all p ≥ 0.11).

CONCLUSION

The presence of LWE was significantly correlated with higher symptom values in the DEQ-5. Also, participants in the experimental group presented higher values of LWE after 1 month of CL wear, in comparison with the control group.

Comparative Analysis of the Osmoprotective Effects of Daily Disposable Contact Lens Packaging Solutions on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

Purpose

Contact lens (CL) wear challenges the balance of the ocular surface environment by increasing water evaporation and tear osmolarity. Maintaining ocular surface homeostasis during CL wear remains a goal of lens manufacturers and an important consideration for eye care professionals. The purpose of this study was to measure the metabolic activity and inflammatory responses of a transformed human corneal epithelial cell (THCEpiC) line under hyperosmotic conditions in the presence of CL packaging solutions.

Methods

CL packaging solutions sampled from seven daily disposable silicone hydrogel CL blister packages were prepared at 25% and made hyperosmolar (400 mOsm/kg) with NaCl. THCEpiCs were incubated with each solution for 24 hr, after which cell culture supernatants were collected. THCEpiC metabolic activity was determined by an alamarBlue assay. Concentrations in cell culture supernatants of inflammatory cytokine (interleukin [IL]-6) and chemokine (IL-8), as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), were quantitated by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

THCEpiC metabolic activity under hyperosmolar conditions decreased in the presence of somofilcon A and senofilcon A solutions (p=0.04 and 0.004, respectively), but no other solution (all p≥0.09). Concentrations of IL-6 increased in the presence of delefilcon A, somofilcon A, narafilcon A, and senofilcon A solutions (all p≤0.001), but no other solution (all p≥0.08), while those of IL-8 increased in the presence of all solutions (all p≤0.03) but kalifilcon A (p>0.99), and those of MCP-1 increased in the presence of delefilcon A, verofilcon A, somofilcon A, and stenfilcon A solutions (all p<0.0001), but no other solution (all p>0.99).

Conclusion

CL packaging solutions differ in their capacity to inhibit epithelial inflammation. THCEpiC inflammatory response was less in the presence of a CL packaging solution containing osmoprotectants than in solutions lacking osmoprotectants under moderately hyperosmolar conditions in vitro. Clinical studies are warranted to further substantiate the benefit of osmoprotectants.

Silicone hydrogel versus hydrogel soft contact lenses for differences in patient-reported eye comfort and safety

BACKGROUND

Ocular discomfort is the leading cause of permanent discontinuation of soft contact lens (SCL) wear. Silicone hydrogel and hydrogel materials are the two major categories of SCLs, with silicone hydrogel materials being newer and more breathable than hydrogel materials. Whether comfort is associated with SCL material is controversial despite numerous studies. Similarly, the difference between these materials in terms of safety outcomes (e.g. frequency of microbial keratitis) is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safety of silicone hydrogel compared with hydrogel SCLs on self-reported comfort, dry eye test results, and adverse events in SCL-wearing adults 18 years of age or older.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Eyes and Vision Information Specialist searched the electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, including the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register; 2022, Issue 6), MEDLINE Ovid, Embase.com, PubMed, LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database), ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We also searched the reference lists of identified studies, review articles, and guidelines for information about relevant studies that may not have been identified by our search strategy. Furthermore, we contacted investigators regarding ongoing trials. The most recent database search was conducted on 24 June 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Our search selection criteria included RCTs, quasi-RCTs, and cross-over RCTs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We applied standard Cochrane methodology.

MAIN RESULTS

We included seven parallel-group RCTs conducted in the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany, India, and Turkey. A total of 1371 participants were randomized. The duration of SCL wear ranged from one to 52 weeks. Study characteristics and risk of bias The median number of participants per trial was 120 (interquartile range: 51 to 314), and the average age ranged from 20.7 to 33.0 years. Women represented the majority of participants (range 55% to 74.9%; 5 RCTs). Collectively, the included trials compared eight different silicone hydrogel SCLs with three different hydrogel SCLs. Five trials compared daily disposable SCLs, and two compared extended wear SCLs (worn for seven days and six nights). New SCL wearers were enrolled in three trials. Two trials included both new and established SCL wearers, and two trials did not report participants' history of SCL use. Five trials were sponsored by industry. We judged the overall risk of bias to be 'high' or 'some concerns' for the safety and efficacy outcomes. Findings One trial reported Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) results, with the evidence being very uncertain about the effects of SCL material on OSDI scores (mean difference -1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] -10.49 to 8.09; 1 RCT, 47 participants; very low certainty evidence). Three trials reported visual analog scale comfort score results, with no clear difference in comfort between materials, but the evidence was of very low certainty; trial results could not be combined because the three trials reported results at different time points. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of SCL material on discontinuation of contact lens wear (risk ratio [RR] 0.64, 95% CI 0.11 to 3.74; 1 RCT, 248 participants). None of the included trials reported Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) or Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) scores. There was no evidence of a clinically meaningful difference (> 0.5 unit) between daily disposable silicone hydrogel and hydrogel SCLs in corneal staining, conjunctival staining, or conjunctival redness (very low certainty evidence). Adverse events Very low certainty evidence from two trials comparing daily disposable SCLs suggested no evidence of a difference between lens materials in the risk of vision-threatening adverse events at one to four weeks (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.08 to 5.51; 2 RCTs, 368 participants). Two trials comparing extended wear SCLs indicated that hydrogel SCLs may have a 2.03 times lower risk of adverse events at 52 weeks compared with silicone hydrogel SCLs (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.99; 815 participants), but the certainty of evidence was very low.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The overall evidence for a difference between all included silicone hydrogel and hydrogel SCLs was of very low certainty, with most trials at high overall risk of bias. The majority of studies did not assess comfort using a validated instrument. There was insufficient evidence to support recommending one SCL material over the other. For extended wear, hydrogel SCL may have a lower risk of adverse events at 52 weeks compared to silicon hydrogel. Future well-designed trials are needed to generate high certainty evidence to further clarify differences in SCL material comfort and safety.

Long-term effects of tear film component deposition on the surface and optical properties of two different orthokeratology lenses

PURPOSE

To understand the effects of long-term deposition of tear film components on the surface and optical properties of orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, two different lenses, Brighten 22 and Optimum Extra, were tested here.

METHODS

Ortho-k lenses were immersed in artificial tears and cleaned with a commercial care solution repeatedly for up to 90 days. Both the daily and accumulated lysozyme deposition amounts using an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay were then analyzed. The base curve, central thickness, power, and transmission of visible light, ultraviolet A, and ultraviolet B were analyzed before and after repeated tear film component deposition procedures. The surface roughness using atomic force microscopy was observed and an energy dispersive spectrometer was used to analyze the composition of the deposits.

RESULTS

The highest levels of lysozyme were adsorbed on both lens materials during the first four days of the procedure and became saturated by day 6. For both lens materials, contamination on the lenses was easily observed by day 30, and the degree of surface roughness was higher. The transmission levels of different light spectrums were reduced showing that the optical characteristics of both lenses were also affected.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide in vitro evidence that lysozyme could not be completely removed from orthokeratology lenses. Both surface and optical properties were affected by the deposition of tear film components. However, only one commercial multipurpose care solution was used to clean the lens in this study when the main ingredient was a surfactant, and the results might be different when other care regimens with other key ingredients are used. In addition, whether tear film component deposition might result in increased risks of infection or corneal abrasion will require further investigation.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of contact lenses on the ocular surface

Several lifestyle choices made by contact lens wearers can have adverse consequences on ocular health. These include being non-adherent to contact lens care, sleeping in lenses, ill-advised purchasing options, not seeing an eyecare professional for regular aftercare visits, wearing lenses when feeling unwell, wearing lenses too soon after various forms of ophthalmic surgery, and wearing lenses when engaged in risky behaviors (e.g., when using tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs). Those with a pre-existing compromised ocular surface may find that contact lens wear exacerbates ocular disease morbidity. Conversely, contact lenses may have various therapeutic benefits. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impinged upon the lifestyle of contact lens wearers, introducing challenges such as mask-associated dry eye, contact lens discomfort with increased use of digital devices, inadvertent exposure to hand sanitizers, and reduced use of lenses. Wearing contact lenses in challenging environments, such as in the presence of dust and noxious chemicals, or where there is the possibility of ocular trauma (e.g., sport or working with tools) can be problematic, although in some instances lenses can be protective. Contact lenses can be worn for sport, theatre, at high altitude, driving at night, in the military and in space, and special considerations are required when prescribing in such situations to ensure successful outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis, incorporated within the review, identified that the influence of lifestyle factors on soft contact lens dropout remains poorly understood, and is an area in need of further research. Overall, this report investigated lifestyle-related choices made by clinicians and contact lens wearers and discovered that when appropriate lifestyle choices are made, contact lens wear can enhance the quality of life of wearers.

Changes of symptomatology, tear film and ocular surface integrity one week during Somofilcon-A and Omafilcon-A lens wear

PURPOSE

Clinicians play a key role in prescribing contact lenses that best suited for fitting which materials had an impact on ocular surface parameters. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact on symptomatology, tear film dynamics and ocular surface integrity of a silicone-hydrogel (Somofilcon-A) and a hydrogel (Omafilcon-A) lens before and after wearing for one week in contact lens neophyte participants.

METHODS

A Somofilcon-A and Omafilcon-A were randomly fitted to one or other the eye on an initial group of 28 participants. Subjects were scheduled for three sessions: basal session previous fitting, second session after 4-wear hours, and final session after 7-wear days for up to 10 h. In each session, CLDEQ-8, tear meniscus height and hyperemia with and without lenses, as well as lipid layer thickness and corneal/conjunctival staining without lenses were assessed. Values were compared between lenses and sessions.

RESULTS

In intrasession comparison, there were no differences in any parameter between materials on any session with or without lenses (all p≥0.176), except on the conjunctival staining where values obtained during Somofilcon-A wear (all p ≤ 0.006). In intersession analysis, CLDEQ-8 score, tear meniscus height and lipid layer thickness showed a statistical difference during both materials wear (all p ≤ 0.009), while conjunctival hyperemia does not (p  =  0.237); corneal staining showed differences during Omafilcon-A wear (p  =  0.037), contrary to conjunctival staining which showed differences only during Somofilcon-A wear (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Contact lenses wear had an impact on ocular parameters that have some specific influences of the material on which lenses were manufactured.

Factors influencing the 8-item contact lens dry eye questionnaire score and comparison of translations in Japanese soft contact lens wearers

PURPOSE

To determine (1) the factors associated with a high degree of self-reported symptoms with Japanese translations of the 8-Item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (J-CLDEQ-8) in a cross-section of soft contact lens (SCL) wearers in Japan and (2) whether the difference in translation of the CLDEQ-8 affects the scores between validated and non-validated versions of the Japanese translation.

METHODS

Habitual SCL wearers completed the validated J-CLDEQ-8 and a previous non-validated version. Demographics and SCL history questions were queried when they presented for routine eye care in nine geographically distinct clinics across Japan. The following risk factors for high J-CLDEQ-8 scores (≥11) were tested: sex, age, SCL replacement (daily disposable vs. bi-weekly and monthly reusable), years of SCL wear, and self-reported use of rewetting drops. The scores of the validated and non-validated questionnaires were compared.

RESULTS

Significant patient-related risk factors for high J-CLDEQ-8 scores were female sex, use of reusable SCLs, longer years of SCL wear, and use of rewetting drops. Scores for six out of eight questions in the validated J-CLDEQ-8 were significantly higher than those of the non-validated version, resulting in a significant difference in the average total score between the two questionnaires (validated J-CLDEQ-8: 10.5 ± 5.9 vs non-validated J-CLDEQ-8: 9.5 ± 5.8, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex, use of reusable SCLs, longer years of SCL wear, and use of rewetting drops were significant risk factors for high J-CLDEQ-8 scores in a cross-sectional clinical population of Japanese SCL wearers. Symptoms with SCL are not predicted by age and must therefore be queried at follow-up visits for all SCL wearers. Differences in the two translations affected the ability of the questionnaire to identify individuals with high symptoms associated with SCL wear.

Effect of material and care system combination on subclinical inflammation of the ocular surface in soft contact lens wear

PURPOSE

To investigate the ocular subclinical inflammatory response in two soft contact lens materials when used in combination with two different care systems ('solutions').

METHODS

Fifteen established soft contact lens wearers wore each of two lenses: Acuvue® 2 (CH) and Acuvue® Oasys® (SiH) or no lenses in random sequence for one week. Two care systems were used: a peroxide system: Oxysept 1 Step® (P) for the right lens and Opti-Free® Replenish® (MPS) for the left lens. After one week of lens/no lens wear, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) of corneal and conjunctival regions was carried out. Density of presumed dendritic cells (DC) and 'white spots' (WS) were quantified. Impression cytology of the bulbar and upper eyelid margin conjunctivae was carried out and samples were analysed for CD45+, CD3+ and CD11c+ cells.

RESULTS

The SiH + MPS combination showed a greater inflammatory response compared to SiH + P in seven out of 12 parameters investigated (p < 0.05). The remaining five were not statistically different between the two solutions. The converse was found for the CH lens, with four of the 12 parameters showing a greater response with the P solution compared to the MPS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the SiH lens investigated demonstrated an upregulated response when used with a MPS compared to a P solution whereas the converse is true for the CH lens which showed a reduced response when used with a MPS compared to a P solution. This finding aids in the understanding of the biological underpinnings of manifest corneal inflammatory events during contact lens wear.

Quarter of a century of contact lens prescribing trends in the United Kingdom (1996 - 2020)

PURPOSE

To document contact lens prescribing trends in the United Kingdom over the past quarter of a century.

METHODS

An annual survey of contact lens prescribing was conducted each year from 1996 to 2020, inclusive, by asking a random selection of optometrists and contact lens opticians to provide information relating to 10 consecutive contact lens fits between January and March.

RESULTS

Over the 25 year survey period, 2,671 practitioners returned survey forms, reporting a total of 25,575 contact lens fits. The mean (± standard deviation) age of lens wearers was 35 ± 15 years, of which 64 % were female. Over the survey period, rigid lens new fits decreased from 22 % to 2%. The prescribing of silicone hydrogel lenses has increased steadily since their introduction towards the end of the 1990s, and now represent 80 % of soft lens fits. Soft toric lens prescribing has gradually increased to 47 % - a value at which astigmatism ≥ 0.75DC is theoretically corrected in all contact lens wearers. Daily disposable prescribing increased steadily over the survey period and now represents 63 % of lenses prescribed. Extended wear fits remain at very low levels, except for some prescribing for overnight orthokeratology. Multi-purpose lens care solutions are ubiquitous; peroxide and other systems are now seldom prescribed. Rigid lenses and monthly replacement soft lenses are predominantly worn on a full time basis, whereas daily disposable soft lenses are mainly worn part time.

CONCLUSIONS

This report documents the evolution of contact lens fitting in the United Kingdom over the past 25 years. The most likely lens fit is a spherical design silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lens prescribed for a 35 year old female and worn on a part-time basis.

Interactions between contact lenses and lens care solutions: Influence in optical properties

PURPOSE

Investigate changes in optical properties of contact lenses materials (transmittance and reflectance) and lens care solutions (absorption and fluorescence) resulting from its interaction.

METHODS

From an experimental study, triplicate measurements of transmittance and reflectance of five contact lenses (Senofilcon A, Lotrafilcon B, Balafilcon A, Comfilcon A, and Omafilcon A), as well as UV-vis absorption and fluorescence of four lens care solutions (LCS) (ReNu MultiPlus, Biotrue, OPTI-FREE PureMoist, and AOSept Plus), were evaluated before and after 8 h, one day and one week in storage. The outcomes were provided by Shimadzu UV3101-PC UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere, between 200-700 nm, and SPEX-Fluorolog 2 FL3-22 spectrofluorometer.

RESULTS

All variables exhibited statistically significant differences over time. Comfilcon A showed the lowest ultraviolet radiation (UVR) A & B attenuation. Balafilcon A and Lotrafilcon B displayed a slight suppression of UVR. Senofilcon A was effective in UVR protection and showed less effect on the fluorescence of lens care solutions. Overall, the reflectance decreased after storage (p < 0.05). AOSept Plus absorbance and fluorescence demonstrated lower interactions than multipurpose solutions (MPS), and Lotrafilcon B induced more remarkable changes in optical properties of LCS than the other materials.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that optical variables of lens care solutions and contact lenses changed mutually after storage, probably associated with biochemical and biophysical interactions between components and the release of some polymer compounds. These findings can provide additional information about the interaction of CL materials and LCS in clinical behavior.

The association of comfort and vision in soft toric contact lens wear

PURPOSE

This work set out to investigate if there was an association between subjective comfort and both subjective and measured vision during the use of contemporary daily disposable soft toric contact lenses.

METHODS

Thirty-eight habitual soft contact lens wearers wore each of three daily disposable toric lenses for one week in a prospective, crossover, randomised, single-masked study. The following clinical measures were recorded at dispensing and follow-up visits: biomicroscopy scores, lens fitting (including rotation and rotational stability), high and low contrast visual acuity, subjective vision quality and subjective ocular surface comfort. Subjective scores were collected using 0-10 numerical grading scales. Comfort scores were analysed using a linear regression model with age, sex, visit, phase of crossover ('phase'), lens type, lens rotation, lens rotational stability, visual acuity, cylinder power and subjective vision quality as factors of interest and then refined using backward stepwise regression.

RESULTS

Thirty six participants (31.1 ± 13.5 years) completed the study. Comfort scores were found to be associated with subjective vision quality (F = 127.0 ; p < 0.0001), phase (F = 7.2; p = 0.001) and lens type (F = 4.9; p = 0.009). Greater comfort scores were observed with greater subjective vision quality scores. Visual acuity was not statistically significant in the model.

CONCLUSION

This work suggests that symptoms of ocular discomfort may be more intense if there is also perceived visual compromise in daily disposable soft toric lenses. There was a stronger positive correlation between comfort and subjective vision quality compared with comfort and measured visual acuity.

Comparison of Silicone Hydrogel and Hydrogel Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

OBJECTIVE

To compare subjective, objective and safety performance of silicone hydrogel (SiHy) daily disposable (DD) with hydrogel (Hy) DD contact lenses.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis on approximately 40 participants (Px) each in 5 trials. Lenses grouped into SiHy (delefilcon A, somofilcon A, narafilcon A) and Hy (omafilcon A, nelfilcon A). Participants attended follow-up visits at baseline, 2 weeks, 1 and 3 months. Subjective ratings (1-10 scale), adverse events (percentage of Px), physiological variables (0-4 scale), and wearing time were collected at each visit and compared between groups.

RESULT

Trials enrolled 201 Px totally. No differences in age, sex, and lens wear experience were found between SiHy and Hy groups (P≥0.09). There was greater increase in limbal redness from baseline in Hy group (0.18±0.38 vs. 0.02±0.47, P<0.001), whereas conjunctival staining and indentation were less in Hy group (P<0.001). No differences in comfortable wearing time were found between groups (P=0.41), and comfort at insertion, during day, and end of day was also no different (P≥0.71). Incidence of corneal infiltrative events (SiHy vs. Hy: 6.7% vs. 2.5%; P=0.32) and mechanical adverse events (SiHy vs. Hy: 0.0% vs. 0.0%; P=1.00) were no different.

CONCLUSION

Though some statistical significance was found between the groups, these differences were within measurement error. Neither material types showed superiority in comfort, and adverse event rates were low with both material types. These findings suggest that choice of material is a patient and practitioner preference; however, for patients at risk of hypoxia-related complications, SiHy materials should be considered.

Predicting Short-Term Subjective Vision Performance of Contact Lenses Used in Myopia Control

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether initial assessment of contact lenses prescribed for myopia control (MC) predicts short-term visual performance.

METHOD

Retrospective analysis of 43 participants in a double-masked, randomized, cross-over trial wearing at least one lens: single-vision (SV) lens (1-DAY ACUVUE MOIST) or MC lenses (MiSight or Proclear Multifocal-Distance +2.00D). Participants completed questionnaires at the fitting visit, a take-home questionnaire (THQ) 3 days after fitting and finally at the assessment visit (≥5 days after fitting). Questions comprised vision clarity and lack of ghosting (distance, intermediate, near at day/night time); vision stability; driving vision; overall vision satisfaction and comfort (1-10 scale, 1-point steps); and willingness to purchase based on vision and MC benefit of lens (yes/no response). Visual acuity was measured at fitting and assessment visits.

RESULTS

Vision clarity (intermediate and near) was significantly worse at assessment compared with fitting while wearing MC lenses (P<0.001), as was overall vision satisfaction (P<0.001), comfort (P<0.001), and vision stability (P=0.001) while wearing either SV or MC lenses. Participants willing to purchase at assessment visit was 84% with SV and 36% with MC lenses, increasing to 88% (SV, P=1.00) and 61% (MC, P<0.001) if the lenses slowed myopia progression. Visual acuity was no different with either MC or SV lenses at fitting or assessment (P≥0.251).

CONCLUSION

Initial performance at fitting did not predict short-term performance for SV or MC lenses. A significant increase in willingness to purchase if lenses slowed myopia progression was observed while wearing MC lenses. Educating patients on the benefits might increase acceptability of MC lenses.

Predicting Short-term Performance of Multifocal Contact Lenses

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if initial multifocal contact lens (MFCL) performance predicts short-term dispensing performance.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 55 participants (Px) in a masked, crossover, clinical trial, using ACUVUE OASYS for Presbyopia and AIR OPTIX AQUA Multifocal. Subjective questionnaires were administered at the following instances: initial fitting, two take home questionnaires (THQ) completed between days 2 and 4 and at assessment, ≥5 days after fitting. Questionnaires included vision clarity and lack of ghosting at distance, intermediate and near at day/night time points rated on a 1 to 10 (1-step, 10 most favorable) rating scale. Vision stability, vision while driving, overall vision satisfaction, willingness to purchase and comfort, as well as acuity-based measures were also collected.

RESULTS

There were no statistical differences in comfort and vision at all distances, in vision stability or driving at either time points between THQ and assessment (P>0.05). However, there was a statistical decline in subjective overall vision satisfaction and comfort between fitting and assessment visits (P<0.001). Willingness to purchase remained the same at fitting and assessment in 68% of Px, whereas only 4% of Px converted to a positive willingness to purchase at assessment. The majority of acuity-based measures remained constant between fitting and assessment visits.

CONCLUSION

Initial performance at fitting was not able to predict short-term performance of MFCL. Subjective measures peaked at fitting and declined thereafter whereas acuity-based measures remained constant. Utility of subjective rating tools may aid practitioners to gauge success of MFCL.

Subjective Ratings and Satisfaction in Contact Lens Wear

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows satisfaction in contact lens (CL) wear is influenced by both comfort and vision. Eighty-six percent of participants were willing to continue with trial CL wear if satisfied with both comfort and vision, dropping to 50% if either variable was unsatisfactory and 0% if both were unsatisfactory.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between subjective ratings and satisfaction with CL wear.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of two daily-disposable CL trials (delefilcon A, somofilcon A) on participants 40 years or younger followed over 3 months. Subjective ratings (numerical rating scale 1 to 10, 1-point step) collected at visits following baseline (2 weeks, 1 and 3 months) included comfort (insertion, during day, end of day), vision clarity, and binary response for satisfaction with comfort and vision (yes/no). Willingness to continue with trial CL was obtained at completion.

RESULTS

There was no significant association of comfort on insertion with comfort satisfaction (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; P = .30); however, comfort during day (OR, 2.1; P < .001) and end of day (OR, 3.4; P < .001) was associated with comfort satisfaction. For comfort during day ratings of at least 8/10 and end of day of at least 6/10, 90% of participants were considered satisfied. There was a 14% increase in participants satisfied with comfort for each unit increase on the numerical rating scale from ratings of 3 to 8 for comfort during day and a 20% increase from ratings of 3 to 7 for comfort end of day. The percentage of satisfied participants reached its maximum at a lower end of day rating (8/10) compared with during day (10/10). The percentage of participants satisfied with vision reached its maximum (100%) at a vision rating of 9/10.

CONCLUSIONS

Satisfaction in CL wear is influenced by both comfort and vision. A higher rating for comfort during the day compared with end of day is necessary for participants to attain satisfaction.

Daily versus monthly disposable contact lens: Which is better for ocular surface physiology and comfort?

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of soft contact lenses (SCL) wearing modality and lens materials on the changes in conjunctival bulbar and limbal redness and conjunctival and corneal staining after two months of SCL wear. Comfort level was also analyzed.

METHODS

In this longitudinal clinical trial, forty-seven neophyte myopic subjects were fitted with a monthly disposable lens (lotrafilcon-B or comfilcon-A or balafilcon-A) in one eye and a daily disposable lens (nelfilcon-A or stenofilcon-A or nesofilcon-A) in the other eye, randomly selected. Conjunctival bulbar and limbal redness and conjunctival and corneal staining were evaluated before and after lens wear. Effect of lens wearing modality and lens materials on these changes was also determined. Level of comfort was evaluated subjectively twice per day. Comfort level and reduction in end-of-day comfort were compared between different lens wearing modalities and materials.

RESULTS

Bulbar and limbal redness and conjunctival and corneal staining were increased (p<0.001) after lens wear, and changes were similar with daily and monthly disposable lens wear (p>0.05). Limbal redness was associated with lens materials, and lotrafilcon-B induced the least among the studied lenses (p<0.05). There was no significant association between the wearing modality and the average comfort level and reduction of end-of-day comfort (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Two months of SCL wear increased conjunctival redness, conjunctival and corneal staining, which were not associated with the lens wearing modality. There was a reduction in end-of-day comfort, similar to daily and monthly lenses. The change in limbal redness and reduction in end-of-day comfort were associated with the characteristics of the lens material.

In Vitro Effect of Lysozyme on Albumin Deposition to Hydrogel Contact Lens Materials

SIGNIFICANCE

Albumin deposition on contact lenses could be detrimental to contact lens (CL) wear because this may increase the risk of bacterial binding and reduce comfort. Lysozyme deposition on selected lens materials would reduce albumin deposition on lenses.

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine if lysozyme deposition on CLs could act as a barrier against subsequent albumin adsorption, using an in vitro model.

METHODS

Six hydrogel CL materials (etafilcon A, polymacon, nelfilcon A, omafilcon A, ocufilcon B, and nesofilcon A) were evaluated. Four CLs of each type were soaked in lysozyme solution for 16 hours at 37°C. Lysozyme-coated lenses were then placed in vials with 1.5 mL of artificial tear solution containing I-labeled albumin for 16 hours at 37°C with shaking. Four uncoated lenses of each type were used as controls. Lenses soaked in radiolabeled albumin were rinsed in a phosphate-buffered saline solution, and radioactive counts were measured directly on lenses using a gamma counter. Albumin uptake on lenses was measured using a calibration curve by plotting radioactive counts versus protein concentration.

RESULTS

Results are reported as mean ± SD. Lysozyme-coated etafilcon A lenses exhibited lower levels of deposited albumin than uncoated etafilcon A lenses (58 ± 12 vs. 84 ± 5 ng/lens; P < .05). There were no differences in albumin adsorption between control (uncoated) and lysozyme-coated polymacon (105 ± 10 vs. 110 ± 34 ng/lens), nelfilcon A (51 ± 7 vs. 42 ± 20 ng/lens), omafilcon A (90 ± 20 vs. 80 ± 38 ng/lens), ocufilcon B (87 ± 20 vs. 115 ± 50 ng/lens), and nesofilcon A (170 ± 29 vs. 161 ± 10 ng/lens) lens materials (P > .05). Uncoated nesofilcon A lenses deposited the highest amount of albumin when compared with other uncoated lenses (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that lysozyme deposited onto etafilcon A resists the deposition of albumin, which may potentially be beneficial to CL wearers.

Short-Term Visual Performance of Novel Extended Depth-of-Focus Contact Lenses

PURPOSE

To compare the objective and subjective visual performance of a novel contact lens which extends depth of focus by deliberate manipulation of higher-order spherical aberrations and a commercially available zonal-refractive multifocal lens.

METHODS

A prospective, cross-over, randomized, single-masked, short-term clinical trial comprising 41 presbyopes (age 45 to 70 years) wearing novel Extended Depth of Focus lenses (EDOF) and ACUVUE OAYS for Presbyopia (AOP). Each design was assessed on different days with a minimum overnight wash-out. Objective measures comprised high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA, logMAR) at 6 m, 70 cm, 50 cm, and 40 cm; low-contrast visual acuity (LCVA, logMAR) and contrast sensitivity (log units) at 6 m; and stereopsis (seconds of arc) at 40 cm. HCVA at 70 cm, 50 cm, and 40 cm were measured as "comfortable acuity" rather than conventional resolution acuity. Subjective performance was assessed on a 1-10 numeric rating scale for clarity of vision and ghosting at distance, intermediate and near, overall vision satisfaction, ocular comfort, and lens purchase. Statistical analysis included repeated measures ANOVA and paired t tests.

RESULTS

HCVA, clarity of vision, and ghosting with EDOF were significantly better than AOP (p < 0.01); however, differences were dependent on testing distances and add groups. Post hoc analysis showed EDOF was significantly better than AOP for HCVA at 70 cm (0.11 ± 0.11 vs. 0.21 ± 0.16, p < 0.001), 50 cm (0.26 ± 0.17 vs. 0.36 ± 0.18, p = 0.003), 40 cm (0.42 ± 0.17 vs. 0.52 ± 0.21, p = 0.001), and LCVA at 6 m (0.22 ± 0.08 vs. 0.27 ± 0.12, p = 0.024). EDOF was significantly better than AOP for clarity of vision at distance (7.7 ± 1.6 vs. 6.8 ± 2.3, p = 0.029), intermediate (8.8 ± 1.4 vs. 7.0 ± 2.2, p < 0.001), and near (7.4 ± 2.4 vs. 5.2 ± 2.7, p < 0.001), ghosting at distance (9.1 ± 1.2 vs. 8.1 ± 2.5, p = 0.005), and overall vision satisfaction (7.6 ± 1.6 vs. 6.0 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). More participants chose to purchase EDOF compared to AOP (61 vs. 39%) and significantly more chose to only-purchase EDOF compared to only-purchase AOP (27 vs. 5%, p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

When compared with AOP, EDOF lenses provide better intermediate and near vision performance in presbyopic participants without compromising distance vision.

Ocular discomfort responses after short periods of contact lens wear

PURPOSE

To investigate if contact lens-related discomfort is a function of the time of day at which lenses are worn.

METHODS

This was a randomized, crossover, open-label clinical trial where subjective responses, with and without contact lenses, were assessed every 2 hours during five stages (A to E). Each stage began at the time when subjects would normally have inserted their contact lenses (T0). During stage A, no lenses were worn, whereas in stage B, lenses were worn continuously for 12 hours. In stages C to E, lenses were worn for only 4 hours. Contact lenses were inserted at T0 for stage C, but for stages D and E, lenses were not inserted until T0 + 4 and T0 + 8 hours, respectively. Mixed linear models were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the absence of contact lenses, ocular comfort and dryness remained reasonably constant throughout the observation period. Ocular comfort and dryness decreased during 12 hours of continuous lens wear and became significantly worse from the 8-hour time onward compared with insertion (p < 0.023). There were no significant differences in terms of ocular comfort and dryness between any of the 4-hour lens wear stages (p < 0.82). During each 4-hour stage, both comfort and dryness behaved in a similar fashion (p > 0.05) to the first 4 hours of continuous contact lens wear. Comparing the scores of each of these stages with the no-lens response at the corresponding time showed no significant differences for comfort (p > 0.23) or dryness (p > 0.37).

CONCLUSIONS

Short periods of wear can be experienced at any time of day without significant change in ocular discomfort and dryness. This suggests that subjective responses at the end of the day are determined by the length of time lenses are in contact with the eye, rather than the time of day at which lenses are worn.

Biological and Clinical Implications of Lysozyme Deposition on Soft Contact Lenses

Within a few minutes of wear, contact lenses become rapidly coated with a variety of tear film components, including proteins, lipids, and mucins. Tears have a rich and complex composition, allowing a wide range of interactions and competitive processes, with the first event observed at the interface between a contact lens and tear fluid being protein adsorption. Protein adsorption on hydrogel contact lenses is a complex process involving a variety of factors relating to both the protein in question and the lens material. Among tear proteins, lysozyme is a major protein that has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions. Contact lens materials that have high ionicity and high water content have an increased affinity to accumulate lysozyme during wear, when compared with other soft lens materials, notably silicone hydrogel lenses. This review provides an overview of tear film proteins, with a specific focus on lysozyme, and examines various factors that influence protein deposition on contact lenses. In addition, the impact of lysozyme deposition on various ocular physiological responses and bacterial adhesion to lenses and the interaction of lysozyme with other tear proteins are reviewed. This comprehensive review suggests that deposition of lysozyme on contact lens materials may provide a number of beneficial effects during contact lens wear.