CL tolerance best predicted by clinical variables, not protein analysis, study finds

Tolerance for contact lens use can be best predicted by a combination of clinical variables, including tear-film stability, tear volume and symptom reporting, according to a study. Tolerance was not associated with tear-film protein characteristics, the study found.

Melissa Glasson and colleagues at the Co-operative Research Centre for Eye Research and Technology in Australia studied 20 successful contact lens wearers and 18 unsuccessful contact lens wearers. Baseline tear film (with no lens wear) was analyzed. Comfort was determined after 6 hours of lens wear. Statistical analysis was used to develop an equation for predicting the likelihood of intolerance to lens wear.

Tear volume and tear stability were significantly reduced in intolerant wearers (P < .05), the study authors said. More symptoms were reported by intolerant than by tolerant wearers.

The study is published in the December issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.