Polymer-interaction driven diffusionof eyeshadow in soft contact lenses.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmic materials science
• Polymer science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Soft contact lenses (SCLs) made from hydrogel and silicone-hydrogel materials are susceptible to contamination from eye cosmetics.
• Cosmetics can impair lens performance and transfer to the ocular surface.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diffusion of purple eyeshadow dye into different SCL materials.
• To understand the factors influencing dye absorption and transport through contact lenses.

Main Methods:

• Investigated the diffusion of a specific dye component from purple eyeshadow into hydrogel and silicone-hydrogel contact lenses.
• Quantified dye absorption and diffusivity across various lens materials.
• Assessed the impact of oxygen transmissibility on dye diffusion in hydrogel lenses.

Main Results:

• Dye diffusivity was higher in silicone-hydrogel lenses compared to hydrogel lenses.
• In hydrogel lenses, lower oxygen transmissibility correlated with greater dye diffusivity.
• Absorbed dye mass was 10-100 times greater than predicted by simple hydration and swelling.
• Contaminated lenses showed resistance to standard cleaning solutions.

Conclusions:

• Dye diffusion in SCLs follows Fick's law, driven by polymer-dye interactions.
• These interactions significantly influence lens hydration and swelling, leading to substantial dye uptake.
• Cosmetic contamination poses a significant risk, potentially compromising lens safety and wearer health.