Comparison of hydrogel contact lens patients with and without the symptom of dryness

Abstract

Two groups of hydrogel contact lens-wearing patients were compared. One group of 32 patients had the symptom of drying while wearing their contact lenses, whereas the second group of 26 patients were comfortable with the lenses with no feeling of dryness. The patients were asked to fill out a modified McMonnies questionnaire, and the tear prism height, tear film breakup time, fluorescein and rose bengal staining, and lactoferrin level were measured. There were marked differences in the patients' responses to the questions concerning their sensitivity to smoke and environmental irritants, dryness of other mucous membranes, irritation on awakening, and the use of rewetting drops. The patients with the symptoms of drying indicated more problems in all these areas. There was a significant decrease in tear film breakup time and lactoferrin levels and more fluorescein staining in the symptomatic group, but no measurable difference in tear prism height between the groups.