by Joel Harrison
23. April 2011 13:36
In his latest article in Contact Lenses Today, Ronald K. Watanabe, OD, FAAO, focuses on the deposition on the surface of contact lenses, stating that it can significantly affect the patient’s comfort, even if their replacement schedules are not long.
According to Watanabe, the appearance of deposits on lens surface depends on numerous factors. For instance, tear proteins deposit on hydrogel and silicone acrylate GP materials more easily. With time, such deposits cause hypersensitivity reactions and mechanical lesions on the cornea and conjunctiva. Lipids, on the other hand, can cause blurry vision and discomfort.
In addition, deposits help bacteria to attach to the lens surface, which may lead to an infection.
Taking material characteristics into consideration can help to lower surface deposition. Another way of dealing with the problem is using lens designs with smooth surfaces (like Acuvue Advance Plus), which resist deposits better. Wetting agents can also help to keep the surface clean.
The new lens designs and materials tend to be better at resisting deposits, so – Watanabe concludes – patients will probably soon have access to products that are absolutely comfortable and healthy at all times.
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