title: White light interferometry to characterize the hydrogel contact lens surface.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to characterize, qualitatively and quantitatively, the surface morphology of four unworn conventional hydrogel contact lenses (Omafilcon, Hioxifilcon-based, Nefilcon A and Ocufilcon B) by White Light Optical Profiling (WLOP). WLOP is an ideal technique for sampling larger areas as well as for higher measurement speed compared with other topography techniques used in contact lens studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surface roughness was assessed by WLOP in the Vertical Scanning Mode, with a Wyko NT1100, which is a non-contact optical profiling system that provides high vertical resolution. Representative roughness parameters, the Average Roughness (R(a)), Root-mean-square Roughness (R(ms)), and Maximum Roughness (R(max)), for areas of 625, 2500, 10829 and 67 646 microm(2) were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Higher R(a), R(ms) and R(max) values were obtained for larger areas in all lenses. Daily disposable contact lenses (Nefilcon A and Ocufilcon B) presented the highest R(a), R(ms) and R(max) values, the larger changes in these parameters becoming apparent with the increase in the measured area. Differences between lenses were less obvious when data from 625 and 2500 microm(2) area were compared.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Daily disposable contact lenses showed the highest roughness surface. Analyzing larger areas might be adequate to detect differences between lenses in terms of surface characteristics, which may not be so obvious if smaller areas are studied.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Physics (Optometry Group), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. mjesus.giraldez@usc.es
authors.forename: Maria J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Giraldez
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: García-Resúa
authors.forename: Madalena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lira
authors.forename: M Elisabete C D
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Real Oliveira
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Yebra-Pimentel
mesh_terms: D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D020100:Hydrogels; D007368:Interferometry / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels