Defects in disposable contact lenses can compromise ocular integrity

Abstract

To ascertain the prevalence of defects in disposable contact lenses, an Optimec JFC contact lens analyser (×16 magnification) was used to examine 150 Acuvue, 150 NewVues, and 150 SeeQuence lenses, all -3.00D in power. The percentage of each lens type found to be defective was: Acuvue 75%, NewVues 5%, and SeeQuence 9%. A single-center, simultaneously-controlled, double-masked, randomized study was conducted to determine whether such defects compromise ocular integrity. Each of 29 subjects wore a defective Acuvue lens in one eye and a non-defective Acuvue (control) lens in the other eye on an extended-wear basis for one week. Lenses with defects visible to the naked eye were excluded. Although there was no significant difference in vision, subjective sensation, or bulbar conjunctival hyperemia between eyes wearing defective vs. control lenses, a significantly greater ocular response was observed in eyes wearing defective lenses in the form of corneal epithelial microcysts (p = 0.04), corneal staining (p = 0.02), and conjunctival staining (p = 0.04). Two cases of peripheral corneal infiltrates were observed; both cases were unilateral and occurred in eyes wearing defective lenses. Such compromise may predispose the eye to more serious complications such as infection and corneal ulceration.