Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

08:28
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Parameter consistency in disposable lenses
R E Gundel1, J S Rosen, E N Kaplan
1Contact Lens Research Group, State College of Optometry, State University of New York, New York.
Summary
Johnson & Johnson Acuvue lenses exhibited greater diameter variation and more edge defects than Wesley-Jessen FreshLook lenses, potentially increasing fracture risk. This study highlights manufacturing inconsistencies in disposable contact lenses.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Disposable contact lenses are widely used for vision correction.
- Manufacturing inconsistencies can affect lens performance and patient safety.
- Premature lens fracture is a potential complication of contact lens wear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parameter consistency and identify edge defects in two types of disposable contact lenses.
- To assess the potential relationship between these factors and premature lens fracture.
- To compare Johnson & Johnson Acuvue lenses with Wesley-Jessen FreshLook lenses.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of lens diameter and back surface sagittal depth for 50 Acuvue and 50 FreshLook lenses.
- Assessment of center thickness across a range of powers (-0.50 to -4.00 D).
- Visual inspection for edge defects that could compromise lens integrity.
Main Results:
- Acuvue lenses showed greater diameter variation (13.97-14.48 mm) compared to FreshLook (14.30-14.63 mm).
- Acuvue lenses exhibited more significant center thickness variations at low minus powers.
- Edge defects were found in 44% of Acuvue lenses versus 12% of FreshLook lenses.
Conclusions:
- Significant manufacturing variations and a higher prevalence of edge defects in Acuvue lenses suggest a greater risk of premature fracture.
- FreshLook lenses demonstrated better parameter consistency and fewer defects.
- Quality control in disposable contact lens manufacturing is crucial for ensuring lens integrity and patient safety.
Related Concept Videos
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Light rays enter the eye through the cornea, a transparent dome-shaped tissue that is the eye's outermost layer. The cornea bends or refracts, light rays traveling to the pupil. The shape of the cornea determines how much of the light is bent and whether the image will be focused correctly on the retina at the back of the eye. Once the light has passed through both refraction layers, it converges into a single focal point onto a small area. This is where photoreceptors start transforming...
Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence
Changes in polymorphic forms can significantly influence the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Although the FDA defines pharmaceutical equivalence based on having the same active ingredient, dosage form, and route of administration, it does not automatically disqualify products with different polymorphic forms. This means two products with different polymorphs can still be deemed pharmaceutically equivalent. However, polymorphic differences can affect properties like wettability,...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...

