Relatore
Descrizione
One of the key factors influencing the performance of soft contact lenses (CLs) is their ability to maintain adequate hydration and moisture during wear. In particular, the lens surface plays a critical role, and various types of surface-modified or coated CLs have been specifically engineered to improve comfort and biocompatibility.
One approach used to characterize the surface properties of CLs involves measuring their refractive index in the hydrated state. In this study, refractive index measurements were performed on different types of CLs at 36 °C using an Atago RX-5000 Alpha refractometer. Both the inner (back) and outer (front) surfaces of the CLs were characterized in three conditions: unworn, worn from 30 minutes up to 8 hours, and after a controlled in vitro mechanical treatment applied to unworn CLs. Differences among various materials (hydrogel, silicone-hydrogel, water-gradient lenses), as well as between new, treated, and worn CLs are discussed.
