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Updated: Jun 10, 2025
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Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
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The contact lens-tear film interface: Investigating the tear envelope
Aisling M Mann1, James S Wolffsohn2, Graeme Young3
1Biomaterials Research Unit, School of Engineering and Applied Chemistry, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
Summary
Contact lens wear significantly alters tear film protein composition. The novel tear envelope (TE) technique reveals changes in ocular host response missed by standard tear film analysis, crucial for contact lens research.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Vision Science
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- The tear film is vital for ocular health and vision.
- Contact lens wear interfaces with the tear film, potentially altering its composition.
- Understanding these interactions is key to improving contact lens comfort and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of contact lens wear on tear film protein dynamics.
- To explore the complex interface between the tear film and an in-situ contact lens.
- To utilize a novel tear envelope (TE) extraction technique for this analysis.
Main Methods:
- Collected tear envelopes (TEs) from worn contact lenses using a microcentrifuge 'piggyback' technique.
- Analyzed protein composition of TEs and non-lens tear samples via lab-on-a-chip microfluidic assay.
- Compared protein profiles between TE, lens-deposited tear components, and tear menisci.
Main Results:
- TE protein profiles differed significantly from other tear components.
- Specific protein concentrations (lysozyme, lipocalin, IgA, lactoferrin, albumin) varied in TEs compared to non-lens tears.
- Albumin was detected in 63% of TE samples versus 19% of pre-insertion tear film samples.
Conclusions:
- The tear envelope (TE) approach enables material differentiation and reveals subtle changes in ocular host response.
- This method offers insights into contact lens-induced tear film alterations missed by conventional analysis.
- The TE technique enhances understanding of the ocular surface environment during contact lens wear.
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