Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses Indicate No Significant Impact on Corneal Sensitivity During Initial Wear

New contact lens wearers experience no significant changes in corneal sensitivity during the first six weeks of wearing silicone hydrogel lenses, according to a recent study. Still, researchers observed a trend toward differing sensitivity levels between men and women, warranting further investigation.

Study Findings

Published in Contact Lens & Anterior Eye, the prospective study evaluated 38 new contact lens wearers prescribed monthly Biofinity lenses. Corneal sensitivity was assessed at baseline, approximately one week, and six weeks of wear using the Swiss Liquid Jet Aesthesiometer. The analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in corneal sensitivity across the three visits.¹

“This can be considered as reassuring, as it may suggest that good corneal physiology is preserved,” the study authors wrote.¹

Gender Differences Observed

While overall corneal sensitivity remained stable, a trend emerged indicating a decrease in sensitivity among men and an increase among women throughout the study period. Researchers cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions due to the study’s gender imbalance (26 women and 12 men).¹

The authors suggest that observed gender differences may relate to variations in pain thresholds and sensitivity, potentially linked to hormonal influences on the nociceptive system.¹ Further research is needed to explore this connection.

Comfort and Corneal Sensitivity

The study too found no correlation between corneal sensitivity and contact lens comfort, as measured by the eight-item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire.¹

Implications for Contact Lens Practice

These findings provide reassurance that modern silicone hydrogel contact lenses do not negatively impact corneal sensitivity during the initial stages of wear. However, the observed gender trend highlights the demand for continued research to better understand individual responses to contact lens wear.

Source: Seghetti, M., et al. Corneal sensitivity in new silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye. Published online [Date of publication not provided in source]. https://www.healio.com/ophthalmology/contact-lenses/news/online/corneal-sensitivity-did-not-significantly-change-over-three-clinic

References

1. Seghetti, M., et al. Corneal sensitivity in new silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye. Published online [Date of publication not provided in source].