title: Evaluation of the Tear Function Tests and the Ocular Surface in First-Time Users of Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses.
abstract: To evaluate the effects of three different silicone hydrogel contact lenses (SHCL), (balafilcon A, senofilcon A, and comfilcon A) on tear function tests, corneal thickness, and ocular surface cytology in first time contact lens users.
  
  
  
  In this prospective study, 120 eyes of 60 subjects were evaluated. Balafilcon A users were designated as group 1, senofilcon A users as group 2, and comfilcon A users as group 3. In all cases, before and after 6 months of contact lens wear, ocular surface disease index score (OSDI), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer 1 test, central corneal thickness (CCT), central corneal epithelium thickness (CCET), and conjunctival impression cytology samples were evaluated.
  
  
  
  In group 1, 40 eyes of the 20 patients, in group 2, 40 eyes of the 20 patients, and in group 3, 40 eyes of the 20 patients were evaluated. The mean OSDI scores did not differ between the three groups after contact lens wear (p > 0.05). In group 1 and group 2, significant decrease was found in the mean TBUT 6 months after contact lens wear (p = 0.04, p < 0.001, respectively). In group 3, after 6 months of contact lens wear, the mean Schirmer 1 tear test was decreased significantly (p = 0.021). In all 3 groups, no significant change was observed in the mean CCT and CCET after contact lens wear (p > 0.05). After 6 months, the morphological changes in temporal and superior conjunctival epithelial cells were found to be significant in all groups (p < 0.001).
  
  
  
  Six months after SHCL wear, marked morphological changes occurred in the conjunctival epithelium. Tear function tests were also affected, while corneal thickness did not show any significant difference.
authors.affiliation: a Ataturk Training and Research Hospital , Department of Ophthalmology , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Yelda
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yildiz Tasci
authors.affiliation: b Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit Training and Research Hospital , Department of Ophthalmology , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Canan
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gürdal
authors.affiliation: a Ataturk Training and Research Hospital , Department of Ophthalmology , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozge
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sarac
authors.affiliation: c Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital , Department of Patholology , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Aykut
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Onusever
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D003263:Contact Lenses, Hydrophilic; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D009216:Myopia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012828:Silicones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D012828:Silicones; C540498:comfilcon A; C523196:senofilcon A
keywords: Corneal thickness; impression cytology; silicon hydrogel contact lens; tear function tests