Fluorophotometric assessment of rabbit corneal epithelial barrier function after rigid contact lens wear
H Ichijima1, N Yokoi, A Nishizawa
1R&D Department, Menicon Co., Ltd., Aichi, Kasugai, Japan.
Purpose:
The effect of overnight wear of graded rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses on the rabbit corneal epithelial barrier function was assessed by fluorophotometry.
Methods:
RGP lenses with optimal fitting were worn by rabbits for 24 h. The values of oxygen transmissibility (Dk/L) of lenses used were 0, 10, 27, 43, 84, and 109 x 10(-9) (cm/s)(ml O2/ml mm Hg); lens thickness (0.15 mm) and diameter (14.0 mm) were standardized. Corneal epithelial barrier function was measured by a slit-lamp fluorophotometer. Corneal surface lesions by fluorescein staining were observed by a slit-lamp biomicroscope with the aid of fluorescein filter paper and were scored. Corneal epithelial structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Results:
After 24-h wear of RGP lenses, fluorescein uptake by the cornea increased, and this increase depended on the Dk/L value of lenses worn; mean +/- standard error, 1,601+/-454 (Dk/L 0), 347+/-226 (Dk/L 10), 144+/-42 (Dk/L 27), 100+/-25 (Dk/L 43), 56+/-18 (Dk/L 84), 51+/-15 (Dk/L 109), and 49+/-4 ng/ml (control). There was a significant correlation between the fluorophotometric value and the biomicroscopic scores of corneal lesions. SEM showed progressive desquamation of epithelial superficial and wing cells for lower-value Dk/L lens groups.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated for the first time that overnight wear of Dk/L 84 and 109 lenses does not alter the barrier function of the rabbit corneal epithelium. In contrast, wear of a PMMA lens greatly alters the corneal epithelial barrier function. It is suggested that RGP lenses with a Dk/L >80 can provide safe overnight wear, based on the epithelial barrier function.
