Adhesion of Albumin to FDA Group IV Contact Lenses

Adhesion of Albumin to FDA Group IV Contact Lenses

Alvin Sherman Library 2053

Contact lenses are essential for the treatment of vision abnormalities. Tear protein adhesion can contaminate lenses and reduce their effectiveness. This adhesion depends upon the type of contact lens material, and fluctuates with tear secretion rate and pathology. We examined the adhesion of albumin, a major tear protein, to FDA Group IV contact lenses over a four day period. Never worn AcuVue contact lenses (Bausch and Lomb, Inc., Rochester, NY) were incubated in albumin dissolved in optical saline (0.2 mg/ml) contained in borosilicate glass vials. The concentration of albumin in the vials, and adhering to the lenses, was monitored with bicinchoninic acid (BCA). Albumin concentration in the vials decreased after one day of incubation, and then regained initial levels. Albumin adhesion to lenses increased to a plateau during the first two days of incubation. In contrast, lysozyme adhesion follows a consistent up-down- up-down pattern over four days of incubation, regardless of the type of contact lens. Both albumin and lysozyme adhered to a greater degree to these lenses than to FDA group I lenses. Much about this dynamic interaction remains a mystery, indicating the need for further study.