Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Multipurpose solutions and contact lens: modulation of cytotoxicity and apoptosis on the ocular surface
Mélody Dutot1, Elisa Reveneau, Thierry Pauloin
1Laboratoire de Toxicologie, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France. melody.dutot@parisdescartes.fr
Purpose:
We evaluated (1) 4 multipurpose lens care solutions and 3 contact lenses (soft and rigid) for cytotoxicity according to ISO 10993-5 standard (medical device biocompatibility) and (2) the protective effects of a marine cationic solution and hyaluronic acid.
Methods:
Low water soft lens, high water soft lens, and rigid lens were laid on a conjunctival cell line after being soaked in multipurpose solution (Optifree Express, Renu, Solocare Aqua, or Menicare Plus). Cell morphology was microscopically observed, and cell viability was evaluated using the neutral red test. Apoptosis was assessed after direct contact of multipurpose solutions (MPS) with conjunctival cells using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The ability of a controlled ionization marine solution and hyaluronic acid to prevent multipurpose solution's cytotoxicity was finally evaluated.
Results:
Contact lenses soaked in the MPS induced cell morphology alterations and loss of cell viability. Rinsing the lens with the marine solution improved cell viability and preincubating cells with hyaluronic acid inhibited apoptosis.
Conclusions:
MPS can be damaging for the ocular surface cells. We proposed to rinse the lens with a marine solution before insertion of the lens on the cornea to wash away the multipurpose solution and to use hyaluronic acid to protect the ocular surface cells against apoptosis induced by MPS.
Insights
Multipurpose lens care solutions can harm ocular surface cells. Rinsing lenses with a marine solution and using hyaluronic acid may protect against damage and apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biocompatibility Testing
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Contact lens care solutions are essential for maintaining lens hygiene.
- Cytotoxicity of multipurpose solutions (MPS) to ocular surface cells requires thorough evaluation.
- Understanding protective mechanisms against MPS-induced cellular damage is crucial for eye health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the cytotoxicity of four MPS and three contact lens types (soft and rigid) following ISO 10993-5 standards.
- To investigate the protective effects of a marine cationic solution and hyaluronic acid against MPS-induced cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Conjunctival cell lines were exposed to contact lenses soaked in various MPS.
- Cell morphology and viability were assessed using microscopy and the neutral red test.
- Apoptosis was evaluated via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry; protective effects of marine solution and hyaluronic acid were tested.
Main Results:
- Contact lenses soaked in MPS caused significant alterations in cell morphology and reduced cell viability.
- Rinsing lenses with the marine solution enhanced cell viability.
- Pre-incubation with hyaluronic acid effectively inhibited apoptosis in conjunctival cells.
Conclusions:
- Multipurpose lens care solutions demonstrate cytotoxic potential towards ocular surface cells.
- Rinsing contact lenses with a marine solution prior to insertion can mitigate MPS damage.
- Hyaluronic acid serves as a protective agent against MPS-induced apoptosis, safeguarding ocular surface cells.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...