Changes of symptomatology, tear film and ocular surface integrity one week during Somofilcon-A and Omafilcon-A lens wear

Abstract

Purpose: Clinicians play a key role in prescribing contact lenses that are best suited for fitting which materials have an impact on ocular surface parameters. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact on symptomatology, tear film dynamics and ocular surface integrity of a silicone-hydrogel (Somofilcon-A) and a hydrogel (Omafilcon-A) lens before and after wearing for one week in contact lens neophyte participants. Methods: Somofilcon-A and Omafilcon-A were randomly fitted to one the eye in an initial group of 28 participants. Subjects were scheduled for three sessions: basal session previous fitting, second session after 4-wear hours, and final session after 7-wear days for up to 10 hours. In each session, CLDEQ-8, tear meniscus height and hyperemia with and without lenses, as well as lipid layer thickness and corneal/conjunctival staining without lenses were assessed. Values were compared between lenses and sessions. Results: In intrasession comparison, there were no differences in any parameter between materials on any session with or without lenses (all p≥0.176), except on the conjunctival staining where values obtained during Somofilcon-A wear (all p≤0.006). In intersession analysis, CLDEQ-8 score, tear meniscus height and lipid layer thickness showed a statistical difference during both materials wear (all p≤0.009), while conjunctival hyperemia does not (p=0.237); corneal staining showed differences during Omafilcon-A wear (p=0.037), contrary to conjunctival staining which showed differences only during Somofilcon-A wear (p<0.001). Conclusion: Contact lens wear had an impact on ocular parameters that have some specific influences on the material on which lenses were manufactured.