Silicone hydrogel contact lenses and the ocular surface

Fiona Stapleton, Serina Stretton, Eric Papas, Cheryl Skotnitsky, Deborah F. Sweeney

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

178 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

For 30 years, contact lens research focused on the need for highly oxygen-permeable (Dk) soft lens materials. High Dk silicone hydrogel contact lenses, made available in 1999, met this need. The purpose of this review is to examine how silicone hydrogel lens wear affects the ocular surfaces and to highlight areas in which further research is needed to improve biocompatibility. Silicone hydrogel lenses have eliminated lens-induced hypoxia for the majority of wearers and have a less pronounced effect on corneal homeostasis compared to other lens types; however, mechanical interaction with ocular tissue and the effects on tear film structure and physiology are similar to that found with soft lens wear in general. Although the ocular health benefits of silicone hydrogel lenses have increased the length of time lenses can be worn overnight, the risk of infection is similar to that found with other soft lens types, and overnight wear remains a higher risk factor for infection than daily wear, regardless of lens material. Future contact lens research will focus on gaining a better understanding of the way in which contact lenses interact with the corneal surface, upper eyelid, and the tear film, and the lens-related factors contributing to infection and inflammatory responses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-43
Number of pages20
JournalOcular Surface
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biomaterials
  • Contact lens
  • Corneal homeostasis
  • Corneal vascularization
  • Giant papillary conjunctivitis
  • Limbal hyperemia
  • Palpebral conjunctiva
  • Papillary conjunctivitis
  • Silicone hydrogel
  • Tear film

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