Silicone hydrogel contact lenses on the forefront for daily and extended wear

NAPLES, Fla. — Wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses for up to 30 nights may be safe and could possibly help improve the eye health of many contact lens patients, according to a surgeon speaking here.

Peter Donshik, MD, presented results of a 3-year study of silicone hydrogels at the Florida Society of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

"Studies have shown that most contact lens wearers, if they felt it was safe, would want extended wear lenses," he said. Unfortunately, with previous extended wear lenses, "We had a significant gap in what the lenses ... allowed as far as oxygen transmissibility and what the cornea really needed."

The lower rate of oxygen transmission of earlier contact lens materials led in some cases to reduced oxygen supply, microbial infection, lens adhesion, deposit buildup and inflammatory reactions, Dr. Donshik said.

The new materials that combine silicone and hydrogel, however, offer high oxygen permeability and improved fluid transport for an optimal ocular environment, he said. The lenses resist buildup of deposits and environmental debris, he added.

The results of his study showed that patients experienced rapid improvements in signs of corneal health and other symptoms when switched from contact lenses made of other materials to silicone hydrogel lenses, Dr. Donshik said.