Protein deposits on individual hydrophilic contact lenses: effects of water and ionicity.
Chemical procedures have been developed for eluting deposits from individual hydrophilic contact lenses using combinations of solvents. Total protein was determined as a function of the FDA-proposed classification system for hydrogel lenses. Group IV lenses (high water content, ionic matrix polymers) contained the greatest amount of protein deposits, while group I lenses (low water content, non-ionic polymers) contained the least. Group II lenses (high water content, non-ionic polymers) showed an affinity for protein greater than groups I and III (low water content, ionic polymer) but significantly less than group IV. The necessary basic conditions for maximal protein contamination of hydrophilic contact lenses seems to be created through a combination of an ionic polymer existing in a polar, high water content milieu.
Department of Biological Sciences, SUNY College of Optometry, New York, NY 10010.
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L
Minarik
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J
Rapp
D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000378:metabolism; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013666:Tears / Q000032:analysis; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism*
D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D011506:Proteins; D014867:Water