Evaluation of the Ocular Surface in Different Contact Lens Replacement Schedules

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of different contact lens (CL) replacement schedules and different CL materials on the ocular surface and tear function. Methods: Daily disposable hydrogel CLs were given to group 1 (n = 22), daily disposable silicone hydrogel CLs were given to group 2 (n = 25), and reusable silicone hydrogel CLs were given to group 3 (n = 24). Tear function tests and inflammatory cytokine [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9] levels were evaluated before and at 1 and 3 months after CL usage. Impression cytology was evaluated before and at 3 months after CL usage. Results: At the first and third months of CL usage, a statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A in tears, with the lowest levels in group 1 and the highest levels in group 3 (all P < 0.05). At the third month of CL usage, the levels of these cytokines (in picograms/milliliter) were 6.06 ± 0.83, 78.18 ± 12.42, 61.69 ± 13.95, and 37.71 ± 5.95 in group 1 and 8.04 ± 0.89, 107.34 ± 14.40, 68.63 ± 13.72, and 46.26 ± 6.50 in group 3, respectively. A statistically significant decrease was determined over time in the Schirmer test in group 1, in only the tear breakup time in group 2, and in the tear breakup time and Schirmer test in group 3 (all P < 0.05). A statistically significant increase was determined over time in the levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and MMP-9 in all groups. In the third month, a significant progression was observed in the Nelson grade (P < 0.05) in all groups. Conclusions: The wear of daily disposable CLs can be considered to cause less damage to the ocular surface and less increase in proinflammatory cytokine levels.

To See or Not to See: A Systematic Review of the Importance of Human Ocular Surface Cytokine Biosignatures in Ocular Allergy

“…The current research in ocular allergy focuses on using cytokines as biomarkers by quantifying their concentrations to diagnose immune and genetic disorders [24,43,44]. The current studies have identified a number of key cytokines as potential biomarkers of ocular allergy using tear samples for cytokine detection assays, such as multiplex, immunoblotting, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).…”

BCLA CLEAR - Contact lens wettability, cleaning, disinfection and interactions with tears

“…It was concluded that lens wear disturbs the tear film homeostasis in the initial period of overnight wear in neophytes, but an adaptive process takes place and after one month of lens wear the concentration and activity return to normal [403]. MMP-9 concentration in tears has also been reported to increase during contact lens wear by a separate group [404]. Another study concluded that wearing contact lenses for less than two years was associated with increased expression of MMP-9 relative to its inhibitor TIMP-1, which may be indicative of low-level inflammation during this phase of wear [405].…”

“…The concentration of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), and TNF-α in the tears of contact lens wearers (daily wear or daily disposable wear, lens types not given) remained the same after 1-week of no lens wear [448]. A study comparing the concentration of cytokines in the tears of people new to lens wear who had been given daily disposable hydrogel, daily disposable SiHy and reusable SiHy contact lenses to wear (which were age, sex and OSDI score matched), found that daily disposable hydrogel lens wearers had the lowest and reusable SiHy contact lens wearers the highest concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A in their tears [404] (Table 5). During the three months of the study there was a significant increase in the concentration of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and MMP-9 in the tears for contact lens wearers [404].…”

“…A study comparing the concentration of cytokines in the tears of people new to lens wear who had been given daily disposable hydrogel, daily disposable SiHy and reusable SiHy contact lenses to wear (which were age, sex and OSDI score matched), found that daily disposable hydrogel lens wearers had the lowest and reusable SiHy contact lens wearers the highest concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A in their tears [404] (Table 5). During the three months of the study there was a significant increase in the concentration of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and MMP-9 in the tears for contact lens wearers [404]. The authors concluded that daily disposable contact lens wear may cause less damage to the ocular surface and so have a lower increase in proinflammatory cytokines during wear [404].…”

Advances in Non-surgical Treatment Methods in Vision Rehabilitation of Keratoconus Patients

“…Later developments in CL design and materials expanded the application options for KC patients. Considering that CLs cause ocular surface changes even in non-KC individuals, the main purpose of CL application in KC should be to increase visual acuity without compromising the health of the cornea and ocular surface [9]. While the patient should have good vision and comfort with the lens, the practitioner must find a suitable lens fitting that does not compromise the anterior ocular surface health.…”