Lens parameter changes under in vitro and ex vivo conditions and their effect on the conjunctiva.

Purpose: To quantify changes in contact lens parameters induced by lens wear and determine whether these changes are associated with contact lens-induced conjunctival staining (CLICS).

Methods: In vitro: Lens diameter, sag, edge shape, base curve of six contact lens brands (balafilcon, comfilcon, etafilcon, lotrafilcon B, omafilcon and senofilcon) measured at 21°C and 35°C (eye temperature). Ex vivo: Diameter of lenses collected from a prospective, randomised, contra-lateral, cross-over clinical trial from 36 subjects wearing all lens types for 1 week daily wear, measured in 35°C PBS after removal. Ocular surface was examined for lens-induced conjunctival staining by masked examiner.

Results: In vitro: Changes in diameter and base curve outside ISO tolerance were found with etafilcon A and omafilcon A. Ex vivo: Comfilcon A and etafilcon A had greatest shrinkage in diameter (0.18mm) and base curve (0.11mm steeper) with temperature increase from 21°C to 35°C. Senofilcon A, lotrafilcon B and balafilcon A maintained most stable parameters between 21°C and 35°C. Changes in diameter and base curve from lens wear were not correlated with CLICS (p>0.49). Multivariate analysis showed significantly greater levels of lens induced staining were associated with lens modulus (p<0.001) and knife (p<0.001) and chisel (p<0.001) edge shapes.

Conclusions: Parameter changes induced by lens wear were associated with increasing temperature, but these changes in lens diameter and base curve did not induce CLICS. Modulus and edge shape were associated with increased CLICS. The susceptibility of etafilcon A and omafilcon A lenses to parameter changes might be related to their high water content.