Purpose:
Short-term changes in corneal staining and ocular symptoms
were assessed at defined intervals in order to evaluate combinations of
three soft lenses and four multi-purpose solutions (MPS).
Methods:
A series of pilot studies were conducted over 11 months
using a double-masked, randomized, cross-over design. Asymptomatic,
adapted daily-wear soft lens users wore Group II or IV soft hydrophilic or
silicone hydrogel lenses for a maximum period of time each day. Before
to wear, new lenses were pre-soaked overnight in one of four MPS:
Alcon OPTI-FREE® EXPRESS® MPDS, Bausch & Lomb ReNu* MultiPlus*
MPS, CIBA Vision SOLO-Care Plus MPS or AMO Complete MoisturePLUS*.
Subjects rated comfort and ocular symptoms. Corneal staining type and
area were evaluated at baseline and after lens removal.
Results:
Significantly increased extent of corneal staining (defined as
the proportion of corneal zones showing staining of Grade 1 or more
severe) was observed at 1 and 2 hours when subjects wore Group II
lenses soaked in the PHMB-based systems. Significantly increased
extent of staining was observed at 2 hours when subjects used silicone
hydrogel lenses soaked in Regimen 4. When subjects used Regimen 1
and wore Group II lenses, only minimal staining response was observed
at 1 and 2 hours of wear. Significant symptoms were not correlated with
extent of staining.
Conclusions:
This study design is a promising tool that can discriminate
between the performance of different soft lens/MPS combinations
rapidly utilizing small patient samples. With some lens – care product
combinations, corneal appearance may vary according to the time of day
the patient is examined.
Citation:
