The effects of contact lens care solutions on the corneal epithelium: A comparative investigation using confocal microscopy

Purpose. Jones et al. (2002) reported asymptomatic but significant corneal staining when PureVision(TM) (balafilcon) lenses were used in combination with ReNu MultiPlusRTM solution. Staining with PureVision(TM) contact lenses and OptiFree RTM ExpressRTM MPDS was not as significant. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate in vivo whether the above mentioned no rub solutions have an adverse effect on the corneal epithelial tight junctions/corneal epithelium in general of silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers. This will help in determining whether the observed corneal staining is caused by contact lens/solution interactions or a result of how the corneal epithelium grows and regenerates. Methods. The ConfoScan3 confocal microscope (Nidek Technologies, Italy) and its NAVIS software, in tandem with the slit lamp biomicroscope, was used to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the effect of OptiFreeRTM Express RTM MPDS and ReNu MultiPlusRTM solutions on the corneal epithelial integrity of silicone hydrogel contact lens wearers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...