The impact of lens choice in the relief of contact lens related symptoms and ocular surface findings.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of hioxofilcon A and omafilcon A soft contact lenses for the reduction of signs and symptoms of contact lens related dryness among contact lens wearers who presented with symptoms and signs at baseline.

Methods: Forty dry eye subjects, 37 females and 3 males, were enrolled in this prospective, single-center, randomized, contra-lateral, cross-over study. Subjects were randomly dispensed hioxifilcon A and omafilcon A lenses for contra-lateral eyes. Lenses were worn daily wear for 3 months; for 6 weeks (2-week lens replacement) then lens types were crossed over to opposite eyes for 6 more weeks. Clinical examinations took place at baseline, 1 and 6 weeks in each cycle. Ocular surface signs and symptoms were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Compared to baseline symptoms with habitual lenses, dryness, discomfort, and blurry vision were reported at a lower frequency and intensity with both test lens types (p < 0.05, all comparisons, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test). Compared to baseline signs, there was an improvement in overall fluorescein staining for both lenses (p < 0.05). Lissamine green staining showed improvement with omafilcon A lenses only (p < 0.05). There was no change in tear break up time or bulbar redness.

Conclusion: Symptoms and ocular surface staining associated with contact lens related dryness can be significantly alleviated by the use of hioxofilcon A or omafilcon A lenses, which yielded similar findings in this study.