Mucin Balls Influence Corneal Infiltrative Events

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Health
• Contact Lens Research

Background:

• Mucin balls (MBs) are a common occurrence with certain contact lenses.
• Previous reports suggested MB formation might be protective against corneal infiltrative events (CIEs).
• Understanding the role of MBs in CIEs is crucial for contact lens wear safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether mucin ball (MB) formation is protective against corneal infiltrative events (CIEs).
• To analyze the impact of early-onset versus longer-term MB presence on CIE risk.

Main Methods:

• 282 participants underwent a 1-month run-in with lotrafilcon A lenses to assess MB formation (Phase 1).
• Participants were stratified by MB formation and randomized to balafilcon A or comfilcon A lenses for 7-day extended wear (Phase 2) for 1 year.
• Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeled CIE probability based on MB formation and other covariates.

Main Results:

• Early, repeated MB presence in Phase 1 significantly increased CIE risk by 466% in Phase 2.
• Longer-term MB presence during extended wear of balafilcon A or comfilcon A lenses significantly decreased CIE rate by 62%.
• Overall, 74-79% of participants repeatedly formed MBs across different lens types.

Conclusions:

• The hypothesis that MB formation is universally protective against CIEs during extended wear was not supported.
• Early-onset MB formation presents a substantial increased hazard for CIEs.
• Longer-term MB presence demonstrated a protective effect on the rate of CIEs.