Preservative-free ocular hydrating agents in symptomatic contact lens wearers: saline versus PVP solution.
OBJECTIVE
To compare two preservative-free hydrating agents, in multidose (ABAK) bottles, in contact lens wearers experiencing symptoms of ocular dryness.


METHODS
The endpoint of this 4-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study comparing a 2% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution with a 0.9% NaCl solution was to assess ocular discomfort using a visual analog scale. A biomicroscopic examination and a test of tolerability on instillation were also performed, and adverse events were recorded.


RESULTS
Thirty-nine subjects were enrolled (23 PVP; 16 NaCl). The average age was 30; subjects were predominantly female, and mostly wore frequent-replacement contact lenses. They were all exposed to environmental factors such as routine use of video monitors or air conditioning. The two groups were similar at baseline (D0). Both PVP and NaCl improved the comfort of contact lens wear (P = 0.0003), with no difference between them (P = 0.25). The mean daily duration of lens wear and the daily number of instillations to relieve discomfort (4.2 +/- 2.0 for PVP ABAK; 4.6 +/- 1.9 for NaCl ABAK) were comparable. However, PVP use led to more favorable evolution of fluorescein-staining corneal punctuations (P = 0.028). Safety was good, with minimal adverse events considered unrelated to the products. Lens wettability was excellent, and there were no clinically relevant deposits. Most subjects also found the ABAK bottles convenient.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular hydration improves comfort in contact lens wearers. NaCl is an appropriate first-line treatment, but for subjects with fluorescein-staining punctuations, lubrication with PVP is preferable.
Malet
Florence
F
Clinique Ophtalmologique, Hôpital Pellegrin CHU, Bordeaux, France. florence.malet@santesurf.com
Karsenti
Dominique
D
Pouliquen
Pascale
P
D000328:Adult; D018639:Contact Lens Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011205:Povidone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D018639:Contact Lens Solutions; D011310:Preservatives, Pharmaceutical; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D011205:Povidone