260
Views
21
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Invited Review

Tear film evaluation and management in soft contact lens wear: a systematic approach

, BOptom PhD PGCertOcTher DipMus (Prac) AMusA FACO FAAO & , BSc (Hons) MSc PhD MCOptom FAAO FBCLA FCCLSA
Pages 438-458 | Received 25 Mar 2017, Accepted 05 Jul 2017, Published online: 15 Apr 2021
 

Abstract

The human tear film is a highly ordered structure consisting of a thin layer of lipid on the surface and a thicker aqueous‐mucin phase, which increases in mucin concentration toward the corneal epithelial cell layer. The health of the tear film and ocular surface influences the likelihood of being able to achieve successful contact lens wear. Contact lens discomfort and dryness are the most frequent reasons why contact lens wearers experience reduced wearing times, which can eventually lead to contact lens discontinuation. Comprehensive clinical assessment of tear film integrity and ocular surface health is therefore essential prior to commencing contact lens wear, to enable the ocular surface environment to be optimised to support lens wear. These parameters should also be evaluated over the course of contact lens wear, in order to identify any aspects requiring clinical management and ensure maintenance of optimal lens‐wearing conditions. This review summarises current knowledge relating to the effects of soft contact lens wear on the tear film and ocular surface. It also provides a systematic approach to evaluating tear film and ocular surface integrity, in order to guide the clinical management of tear film anomalies with respect to contact lens wear.

This article is part of the following collections:
Women Research Pioneers in Australian Optometry

Notes

† The Keeler Tearscope and Tearscope Plus are not currently commercially available.

Additional information

Funding

University of Melbourne Dyason Fellowship (LED, 2015)
University of Melbourne School of Health Sciences Seed grant (LED & JPC, 2016)

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.