The impact of lens choice in the relief of contact lens related symptoms and ocular surface findings.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of hioxofilcon A and omafilcon A soft contact lenses for the reduction of signs and symptoms of contact lens related dryness among contact lens wearers who presented with symptoms and signs at baseline.


METHODS
Forty dry eye subjects, 37 females and 3 males, were enrolled in this prospective, single-center, randomized, contra-lateral, cross-over study. Subjects were randomly dispensed hioxifilcon A and omafilcon A lenses for contra-lateral eyes. Lenses were worn daily wear for 3 months; for 6 weeks (2-week lens replacement) then lens types were crossed over to opposite eyes for 6 more weeks. Clinical examinations took place at baseline, 1 and 6 weeks in each cycle. Ocular surface signs and symptoms were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire.


RESULTS
Compared to baseline symptoms with habitual lenses, dryness, discomfort, and blurry vision were reported at a lower frequency and intensity with both test lens types (p < 0.05, all comparisons, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test). Compared to baseline signs, there was an improvement in overall fluorescein staining for both lenses (p < 0.05). Lissamine green staining showed improvement with omafilcon A lenses only (p < 0.05). There was no change in tear break up time or bulbar redness.


CONCLUSIONS
Symptoms and ocular surface staining associated with contact lens related dryness can be significantly alleviated by the use of hioxofilcon A or omafilcon A lenses, which yielded similar findings in this study.
Riley
Colleen
C
Indiana University School of Optometry, 800 East Atwater Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA. criley@indiana.edu
Chalmers
Robin L
RL
Pence
Neil
N
D000328:Adult; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D003287:Contrast Media; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D015352:Dry Eye Syndromes / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D005123:Eye / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D019793:Fluorescein; D006801:Humans; D008086:Lissamine Green Dyes; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013666:Tears / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors
D003287:Contrast Media; D008086:Lissamine Green Dyes; C024537:green 5; D019793:Fluorescein