Effect of Different Soft Contact Lenses Tear Film Stability in Myopes

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v42i2.2214

Abstract

Purpose:  To assess the influence of soft contact lens wear on tear film stability in myopes.

Study Design:  Quasi experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study:  Social Security Hospital, Multan Road, Lahore, from February 2025 to May 2025.

Methods:  Myopic participants with no prior experience of wearing contact lenses were chosen and were divided into two equal groups based on the type of lens: soft hydrogel; and silicone hydrogel. Patients with dry eyes, refractive errors other than myopia, or using systemic medications were excluded from the study. Tear film stability was evaluated with Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT), conducted before and after one month of lens wear. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, Version 27. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:  The study enrolled 90 myopic patients. For TBUT, soft hydrogel lenses showed a minor but significant reduction from 11.99s to 11.88s (Mean difference = -0.11s, p < 0.050), while silicone hydrogel lenses exhibited a significant improvement from 11.71s to 13.28s (Mean difference = +1.57s, p < 0.001). Independent t-test revealed that silicone hydrogel lenses had significantly greater positive changes in TBUT compared to soft hydrogels, indicating improved tear film stability after one month of lens wear.

Conclusion:  This study shows that wearing soft contact lenses impacts tear film stability in myopic patients, however a positive or negative response depends on type of lens material worn.