Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The development of soft-polymeric contact lenses (SPCLs) has significantly enhanced vision correction by integrating advanced polymeric materials with optimized optical properties. This study examines the impact of refractive index (RI), oxygen permeability (Dk/t), and water content (EWC%) on visual quality and ocular health, correlating material properties with user-reported experiences. A survey of 5,585 medical SPCL users revealed that 31% experienced ocular fatigue and redness, often linked to optical aberrations and replacement frequency. Notably, commercially available SPCLs exhibit RI values ranging from 1.37 to 1.43, deviating from the natural ocular tissue RI (∼1.33), which contributes to light distortions and reduced visual clarity. The study also confirms that higher water content lenses are favored for daily use, while those with lower water content but higher oxygen permeability are more suitable for extended wear, minimizing corneal hypoxia risks. Brands such as Biotrue ONEday and Acuvue Moist 1-Day employ advanced polymeric formulations, reducing optical aberrations. Additionally, materials like poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and novel silicone hydrogels offer superior oxygen permeability and hydration balance, mitigating phase separation issues and mechanical degradation. These findings underscore the critical role of polymer engineering in ophthalmic applications, supporting the design of next-generation SPCLs that enhance optical performance, user comfort, and long-term biocompatibility.
Authors: Lina M. Shaker, Wan Nor Roslam Wan Isahak
Institutions: Al-Ayen Iraqi University, National University of Malaysia
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
OpenAlex ID: W4412064841