Deposition on silicone hydrogel lenses

The interaction between a contact lens, the ocular surface, and the tear film is vital for successful contact lens wear. It has long been known that both organic and inorganic tear film and ocular surface-related components deposit on contact lenses. Over the years, significant emphasis has been placed on understanding the interaction between protein and lipid deposits on contact lenses. It has become well recognized that the polymer composition of the contact lens material has a significant impact on the trends associated with deposition patterns. Likewise, other factors such as lens care, compliance, and the environment all may play a role in observed trends in deposition patterns. Finally, it is important to note the methodology used when studying contact lens deposition, as the methodological approach used may lead to variability in findings compared with other studies using differing methodologies. Going forward, it is important to develop both standardized and unique methodologies that lead to new insights into contact lens deposition patterns that ultimately are able to detect associations with in vivo performance and adverse events. The objective of this article is to review contemporary methods and findings relating to deposition on silicone hydrogel materials.