Interaction of Tear Inflammatory Markers with Contact Lens Materials

Abstract

Biomaterials are natural or synthetic materials that come into contact with biological tissue. Contact lenses are the most commonly used biomaterials, being worn by an estimated 140 million people worldwide. While contact lens wear could be considered successful, up to 50% of patients discontinue contact lens wear, primarily due to the development of contact lens discomfort. Due to the interaction of contact lenses with the ocular surface, the ocular environment is of great interest when considering factors contributing to contact lens discomfort. One of these factors may be cytokines released by human corneal epithelial cells, which have the potential to initiate ocular inflammation. The purpose of the investigations presented in this thesis were to assess cytokine adhesion to various contact lens materials, as an excessive binding of cytokines to contact lenses may contribute to the pathology of contact lens discomfort.