Ophthalmological Applications of Biomaterials: Contact Lenses

November 9, 2011 Emily Gogarty Chris Sokoloff Queens University MECH478

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Agenda
Eye Anatomy and Function Vision Correction Techniques Contact Lenses Design considerations Material History Material choice and life Current Developments References

http://www.bestcontactlensestips.com/
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Eye Anatomy
> Sclera: Maintains shape of eye > Cornea: Allows light transmission > Choroid: Contains blood vessels Cillary body Contracts and relaxes lens Iris Coloured adjustable diaphragm > Lens: Fine-tunes vision > Retina: Senses light

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Eye Function
Light is refracted when the medium changes at the following 4 interfaces: > Air to cornea > Cornea to aqueous humor > Aqueous humor and front of lens > Back of lens to vitreous humor In normal vision, image arrives in perfect focus after refraction.

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Refractive Error & Vision Correction

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

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Contact Lenses
Thin lens placed directly on cornea Small vacuum is created, lens sticks to fluid layer Impurities on lens are washed away with blinking Lenses are stored in saline contact solution (for hydration and cleaning)
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http://www.kingswayoptometry.com/e ye-care-blog/2010/10/22/whatcontact-lens-solution-are-youusing.html

Contact Lenses
Machined to refract light for a specific eye prescription using a digital lathe Have been in use, in some form, for over a century Allow for more natural sight than glasses

http://www2.coopervision.com/us/patient/aboutus/ manufacturingandtechnology/

Design Considerations
Functionality
Achieve vision correction goals Clear vision Conformation to cornea

Manufacturability
Shape design

Biocompatibility
Wettability/Hydrophilicity Oxygen permeability
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Materials History
Glass
First developed in 1887 Fitted to cover entire eye Good light transmittance and toughness Dry and abrasive

Materials History
PMMA (hard)
First used in 1939 Good light transmittance, toughness, and compatibility with eye Also used for intraocular lenses Low oxygen permeability
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Materials History
RGP (Rigid Gas Permeable)
Polymers incorporating silicone = more flexible and better oxygen permeability Improved vision, durability, and life Eyes take time to adjust Ideal for industrial settings
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Materials History
Hydrogels (soft)
Typically made from HEMA Hydrophyllic nature promotes oxygen transmittance Flexible, good light transmittance Can be ionic or nonionic
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Materials History
Silicone hydrogels
Hydrogel materials with silicone Can transmit much more oxygen Safer to use extensively Less water content = less dehydration, more discomfort/dryness Can be treated to reduce hydrophobic nature

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Material Choice and Life

Why do lenses have a limited life?
Problems associated with eye comfort and health Low oxygen permeability creates dryness and discomfort, and can lead to bacteria growth and infection Hydrophilic materials are subject to dehydration Ionic materials promote deposit of proteins and lipids

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Material Choice and Life

Deposits
In contact with the human biological environment Exposed to different types of cells Proteins and lipids attach as gelatinous deposits Affect vision, cause irritation, lead to eye infections such as GPC Lens needs to be cleaned or replaced

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Current Developments
SynergEyes
Combine Benefits of soft and RGP lenses

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Current Developments
Treatment and Prevention of Eye Conditions
Attempting to reduce cases of infections Incorporate antimicrobial agents into lenses, such as selenium. Lens case impregnated with silver

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Current Developments
Bionic Lenses
University of Washington currently developing lens to aid people with vision problems Currently incorporates electrical circuits and LEDs

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References
Bianco, Carl. "How Vision Works" 01 April 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/humanbiology/eye.htm> 08 November 2011. Watson, Stephanie. "Contact Lenses" 09 January 2006. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/cosmetic-treatments/contactlens.htm> 08 November 2011. How it's Made (The Science Channel Videos). (2009). How It's Made: Contact Lenses [Motion Picture]. A Brief History of Contact Lenses. (2011). Retrieved November 2011, from GP Contact Lenses: http://www.contactlenses.org/timeline.htm Our Lenses. (2011). Retrieved November 2011, from SynergEyes. Del Pizzo, N. (2011, March). Gas Permeable (GP) Contact Lenses. Retrieved November 2011, from All About Vision: http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/rgps.htm Heiting, G. O. (2011, May). What Are Contacts Made Of? Retrieved November 2011, from All About Vision: http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/faq/contact-materials.htm

References
Amos, CF & George, MD: Clinical and laboratory testing of a silver-impregnated lens case. Cont Lens Anterior Eye, 29: 24755, 2006. Mathews, SM, Spallholz, JE, Grimson, MJ, Dubielzig, RR, Gray, T & Reid, TW: Prevention of bacterial colonization of contact lenses with covalently attached selenium and effects on the rabbit cornea. Cornea, 25: 80614, 2006.