The effect on the five FDA soft contact lens material types of prolonged exposure to phospholipid-based eye drops

S. Alshammeri

Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. salehalshammeri@gmx.com

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• Ophthalmology

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of regular phospholipid tear supplement application on five soft contact lens materials (FDA Types I-V).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty unworn lenses of each lens type were assessed and given an identification number. An initial set of measurements was made on each lens before being immersed in the phospholipid tear supplement solution for one hour. After one hour, the lens was removed, gently rinsed in saline, and the measurements were repeated.  This process was repeated for each lens, of each type.  Each lens parameter was assessed in the sequence: Refractive Index (% H2O), Dioptric Power (BVP), Lens Diameter (OD), and Lens Curvature (BCOR).

RESULTS: All measurements of % H2O, BVP, OD and BCOR did not differ between baseline and after lenses being immersed in the phospholipid tear supplement solution for one hour [all soft contact lens materials (FDA Types I-V) p > 0.05]. However, in the type IV lenses, a statistically significant change in the % H2O was found. Only a 1% reduction was observed, and, in the investigator’s opinion, the significance of these results is due more to a statistical anomaly produced by having very repeatable measurements showing very little variation.

CONCLUSIONS: The phospholipid tear supplement solution did not adversely change the physical parameters of unworn soft contact lenses, of the five FDA Types, to the extent that would be considered clinically significant.

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