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Updated: Oct 11, 2025
08:28
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
10.8K
Improving ocular surface comfort in contact lens wearers
Elena Fernández-Jimenez1, Elena Diz-Arias1, Assumpta Peral1
1Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
Summary
Hyaluronic acid (HA)-Trehalose artificial tears significantly improved dry eye symptoms and ocular surface staining in contact lens wearers. This preservative-free treatment offers relief for discomfort associated with dry eye disease in contact lens users.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Corneal Science
Background:
- Contact lens discomfort (CLD) is a primary reason for contact lens discontinuation.
- Dry eye disease (DED) significantly exacerbates CLD in contact lens wearers.
- Effective management of DED symptoms is crucial for sustained contact lens use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a preservative-free, hypotonic artificial tear containing 0.15% hyaluronic acid (HA) and 3% Trehalose.
- To evaluate the impact of HA-Trehalose artificial tears on dry eye symptoms and ocular surface signs in contact lens wearers.
- To determine the safety and tolerability of HA-Trehalose artificial tears for managing DED in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-arm, observational pilot study involving 33 contact lens wearers aged 18-45 with ocular discomfort.
- Participants self-administered 1 drop of HA-Trehalose artificial tears four times daily for 84 days.
- Symptom assessment included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and Contact Lens Dry Eye questionnaire (CLDEQ-8); ocular surface evaluation included tear break-up time (TBUT) and staining.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) were observed in most VAS symptoms, OSDI, CLDEQ-8, and Berkley Dry Eye Flow-Chart scores from baseline to Day 84.
- Corneal and conjunctival staining showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) at Day 84 compared to baseline.
- No statistically significant changes were noted in TBUT or tear meniscus height, and no adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- Preservative-free, hypotonic HA-Trehalose artificial tears effectively alleviate dry eye symptoms in contact lens wearers.
- The treatment also demonstrates a positive impact on reducing ocular surface signs, such as corneal and conjunctival staining.
- HA-Trehalose artificial tears represent a safe and beneficial option for managing dry eye syndrome in individuals using contact lenses.
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