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Corneal requirements for extended wear: an update
1Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit, School of Optometry, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia.
Summary
Rigid gas permeable contact lenses show more promise for extended wear than current hydrogel lenses. This is due to better oxygen supply and resistance to deposits, though some challenges remain for RGP lenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Extended wear contact lenses require materials that ensure corneal health.
- Key material properties include oxygen transmissibility, movement, and resistance to deposits and desiccation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the suitability of current rigid and soft contact lens materials for extended wear.
- To assess material capabilities in providing oxygen, lens movement, and deposit resistance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft (hydrogel) contact lens materials.
- Analysis of material properties related to extended wear performance.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel lenses have limited oxygen transmissibility, making them generally unsuitable for extended wear, except with reduced overnight use.
- Rigid gas permeable lenses demonstrate greater potential for extended wear, despite facing some material-related challenges.
Conclusions:
- Rigid gas permeable lenses are currently more promising for extended wear applications than hydrogel lenses.
- Further material advancements are needed to optimize contact lenses for safe and effective extended wear.