The relationship of age, keratometry, and miscellaneous physiological factors in hydrogel lens wear

A retrospective study of 94 soft contact lens patients was performed to determine the relationship of a number of physiological and lens-fitting characteristics. Results yielded only medium to low relationships, the highest correlation being between age, Schirmer, and K readings. Persons with dry and excessively mucoid eyes were found to be older and to have flatter corneas and lower Schirmer results. Older patients also tended to have more acidic tears and a shorter tear film breakup time. The group was studied from three aspects: (1) as a whole to establish means, (2) the relationship of physiological conditions, and (3) the relationship to hydrogel lens surface coating.