Lipid Analysis on Block Copolymer-containing Packaging Solution and Lens Care Regimens: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Contact Lens Technology

Background:

• Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are widely used but can interact with biological molecules.
• Cholesterol accumulation on contact lenses may influence lens performance and wearer comfort.
• Understanding lipid sorption is crucial for developing advanced contact lens materials and care solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cholesterol extraction from lotrafilcon B lenses with EOBO solutions against habitual silicone hydrogel lenses using non-EOBO multipurpose solutions (MPS).
• To evaluate the efficacy of EOBO-containing lens care solutions in minimizing cholesterol uptake by contact lenses.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, observer-masked parallel study involving habitual wearers of senofilcon C, senofilcon A, comfilcon A, and samfilcon A lenses.
• Participants were randomized to either lotrafilcon B lenses with EOBO solutions (OPTI-FREE PUREMOIST or CLEAR CARE PLUS with HydraGlyde) or their habitual lenses and MPS.
• Cholesterol extraction was measured using a fluorometric enzymatic assay on a subset of collected lenses.

Main Results:

• Lotrafilcon B lenses with EOBO solutions demonstrated significantly lower mean cholesterol extraction (0.28 ± 0.18 μg/lens and 0.28 ± 0.48 μg/lens) compared to habitual lenses (ranging from 2.07 to 4.18 μg/lens).
• The differences in cholesterol extraction were statistically significant (P < .0001) for all comparisons.
• Analysis included 143 lenses, with 95 from habitual lens wearers and 48 from lotrafilcon B + EOBO lens wearers.

Conclusions:

• Cholesterol sorption is significantly reduced in lotrafilcon B lenses when cared for with polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene (EOBO)-containing solutions.
• This suggests that EOBO-based solutions offer an advantage in managing lipid deposition on contact lenses.
• The findings support the use of lotrafilcon B lenses with EOBO solutions for potentially improved contact lens hygiene and performance.