Influence of Silicone Hydrogel Extended Contact Lens Wear on Corneal Sensitivity

Influence of Silicone Hydrogel Extended Contact Lens Wear on Corneal Sensitivity

Soft contact lens wear reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the eye, which may have an influence on corneal sensitivity. The aim of this study is to measure corneal sensitivity with means of liquid jet esthesiometry at baseline and after 6 days of continuous, extended contact lens wear.

Contact lens wear may have an influence on corneal sensitivity, by three mechanisms: hypoxic, mechanical and inflammatory. Extended silicone hydrogel contact lens wear increases the risk of infections. A change in corneal sensitivity may be considered as an indicator for change in corneal physiology. It is there the aim of this study is to measure corneal sensitivity with means of liquid jet esthesiometry at baseline and after 6 days of continuous, extended contact lens wear.

Inclusion Criteria:

• no contact lens wear three days before first visit
• corneal radius between 7.4 and 8.0; if corneal radius >8.0, corneal diameter must be at least 12 mm; if corneal radius < 7.4, corneal diameter must be < 12.0
• OSDI score no higher than 13 points

Exclusion Criteria:

• systemic disease that may have an influence ocular healtjh
• active ocular disease and no history of ocular surgery