Conformational state of lacrimal proteins adsorbed on contact lenses

A circular dichroism study has been performed to investigate the conformational properties of lysozyme adsorbed onto new and worn hydrophilic contact lenses. Whereas the native state of the protein is retained immediately after adsorption, lysozyme appears to be substantially denatured in worn lenses. These findings support the hypothesis of an immune response, due to lysozyme denaturation, for reported eye diseases in contact lens wearing patients. Regeneration processes to remove adsorbed proteins leave on the lens traces of potentially noxious materials. A reasonably frequent lens replacement is accordingly recommended.