This study investigated tear film parameters during the wear of two daily disposable contact lenses composed of different polymers and examined their association with symptoms of contact lens discomfort. A prospective, randomized, investigator-masked crossover study was conducted over two months with 20 participants wearing Somofilcon A or Verofilcon A daily disposable lenses. Tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive tear breakup time (NITBUT), and lipid layer thickness (LLT) were measured at the beginning of the study and after one month of wearing each lens type, both with lenses in-situ and after removal following at least six hours of wear. Symptoms were assessed using the Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Differences in parameters between lens types and time points were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Associations between tear film parameters and subjective comfort scores were assessed using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The NITBUT-average significantly improved with Verofilcon A (12.98±4.27s; p<0.001) and Somofilcon A (12.30±3.46s; p<0.001) compared to baseline (9.31±3.29s), with no significant difference between the lenses (p=0.456). Significant changes in VAS comfort and CLDEQ-8 scores from baseline were observed for both lens types (p<0.001). For Verofilcon A, CLDEQ-8 scores decreased, and VAS comfort increased while CLDEQ-8 scores negatively correlating with NITBUT-first break (r=-0.4637, p=0.0455) and NITBUT-average (r=-0.5758, p<0.001). i.e. a smaller CLDEQ-8 score (better comfort) associated with longer NITBUT.During Somofilcon A wear, CLDEQ-8 increased, and VAS comfort scores decreased, and VAS negatively correlated with NITBUT-first break (r=-0.5334, p=0.018) and TMH (r=-0.4856, p=0.0351). Whilst better comfort with Verofilcon A was associated with improved NITBUT, correlations were moderate, and further studies are required to draw stronger conclusions. LLT showed no association with symptoms. Lens material and surface properties, along with ocular surface factors likely influence comfort outcomes.

Experimental modeling of Acanthamoeba keratitis in mice: Isolation and cultivation of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Original article preliminary exploratory finding of anti-defocus (ADF) contact lenses on binocular vision.

Over the past few decades, management options for keratoconus have evolved to include corneal crosslinking (CXL), keratoplasty and advanced contact lenses. This study aimed to describe trends in the use of various keratoconus management techniques in Australia. This cross-sectional study extracted data on the use of keratoconus management techniques in Australia from various data sources. Corneal graft and national CXL data were obtained from the Australian Corneal Graft Registry, Medicare Benefits Schedule and Save Sight Keratoconus Registry. Data on the number and proportion of rigid gas permeable (RGP) and scleral contact lenses were collected from the International Contact Lens Prescribing Survey and contact lens manufacturers. The number of RGP and scleral contact lenses, keratoplasty and CXL used for managing keratoconus in Australia were analysed. Corneal grafts for keratoconus decreased from 3170 in 2001-2010 to 2797 in 2011-2020. This coincided with increased use of CXL, as well as RGP and scleral contact lens use. Since 2007, the proportion of RGP lenses sold in Australia has increased from 5% to 18% of all lenses. Over the past three decades, the estimated number of RGP and scleral lenses sold for the treatment of keratoconus has doubled. CXL use has increased and was more common in males and patients aged 15-24 years, with variability in corneal CXL rates across each state. In Australia, there is a decreasing trend in keratoplasty for keratoconus along with increases in CXL and contact lens use. Future studies should evaluate outcomes associated with the change in keratoconus management patterns.

Electroretinography provides insights into how optical interventions, e.g., contact lenses (CLs), may influence retinal function. Understanding acute retinal responses is important for the ongoing development of myopia control strategies. To investigate the acute effects of single-vision (test) soft CLs incorporating non-refractive opaque elements on retinal function. These lenses are designed to modulate retinal ganglion cell activity through Active Reconfiguration in Retinal Encoding of Spatio-Temporal signalling with a potential for myopia control. In a randomised, contralateral-eye study, 30 participants (18 to 25 years; refractive error: 0.00D to -5.50D) wore single-vision test and control CLs. Electroretinograms were recorded at baseline, 10, and 40 minutes using red flash stimuli (38 Troland-seconds at 3.8 Hz) on a blue background (380 Trolands). Time-amplitude and Discrete Wavelet Transform analyses quantified changes in retinal response. Metrics included a-wave and b-wave peak times and amplitudes, Photopic Negative Response (PhNR) amplitude and timing, P-ratio, W-ratio, and OFF/ON pathway coefficients. TTest lenses induced significant delays in a-wave (mean difference [MD]: 0.26 ms, p = 0.008) and b-wave (MD: 0.26 ms, p < 0.001) peak times, with no significant amplitude changes. PhNR amplitude was significantly reduced (MD: 0.42 µV, p = 0.01), and peak time was delayed (MD: 0.51 ms, p = 0.02). P ratio (MD: -0.04, p = 0.001), and W-ratio (MD: -0.04, p = 0.004) significantly suppressed with test lenses. Time-frequency analysis revealed selective suppression of OFF-pathway activity (40Hz coefficient, MD: -0.89 µV-s, p = 0.02) with test lenses, while ON-pathway components remained stable. 80Hz oscillatory potentials were significantly reduced with test lenses (MD: -1.35 µV-s, p = 0.02). . Non-refractive opaque features within an otherwise single-vision CL can induce short-term changes in retinal signalling, characterised by temporal shifts in post-receptoral signalling, potentially suggesting pathway-specific modulation of inner retinal circuits. Additional studies are needed to confirm the preliminary findings to facilitate insights into the retinal mechanism of action with such interventions.

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to ocular surface disorders, yet current antioxidant delivery systems remain limited by poor nanoparticle stability, loss of optical clarity, and a lack of physiological responsiveness. Here, we report a thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogel that integrates poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) with silver/copper bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag/Cu@Cu) to address these challenges within a unified material platform. The pNIPAM matrix stabilized the nanoparticles, preventing aggregation and maintaining optical transmittance above the functional threshold (>70%) at loadings up to 25% (v/v), enabling fabrication of optically transparent hydrogel formats suitable for ocular applications, including contact lenses. Encapsulation also improved redox stability, supporting sustained antioxidant activity relative to bare nanoparticles. Temperature-dependent kinetic analysis showed that the rate constants increased by a substantial margin across the tested temperature range (25-35 °C), whereas all conditions converged to near-complete DPPH depletion by approximately 120 min. This behavior is consistent with thermally induced contraction of the pNIPAM network, which increases substrate accessibility to the catalytic nanoparticle surfaces. Together, these results establish pNIPAM-Ag/Cu@Cu nanocomposite hydrogels as a promising, quantitatively validated platform for developing optically transparent, stimulus-responsive antioxidant materials for ocular applications.

Mechanism of myopic axial elongation related to Bruch´s membrane.

Guinea pigs are a widely used mammalian model for studies of myopia and early ocular growth regulation more generally. The study reported here covers the development of rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses (CLs) for guinea pigs, as an alternative to spectacle lenses for imposing optical defocus, recognized as an important modulator of eye elongation in young animals. New Zealand pigmented guinea pigs ( Cavia porcellus ) were used in this study, with the RGP lens design based on developmental corneal shape profiles derived from anterior segment optical coherence tomography data collected across a range of ages, as typically encountered in such studies. The validity of this CL-based approach was examined in a follow-up study, in which the ocular effects of -10, 0, and +5 diopters [D] RGP lenses, applied as continuous monocular optical defocus treatments, were tracked over 2 weeks, with the fellow untreated eyes of experimental animals serving as contralateral controls. Pretreatment baseline spherical equivalent refractive errors (RE) and axial length (AL) of both eyes were measured, along with follow-up weekly measurements over the wearing period. There were no differences in any of the ocular parameters between the three groups at baseline, while after two weeks of lens wear, there were significant differences between the -10 D group compared with 0 D and +5 D groups in both RE ( P <0.001) and AL ( P <0.05). Importantly, myopia was observed in all of the guinea pigs fitted with -10 D lenses, and overall, eyes fitted with -10 D lenses showed increased ALs and relative myopia compared with their fellows, while those fitted with +5 D lenses showed reduced ALs and relative hyperopia; the plano lens group fell in between (treated-fellow eyes: -10, 0, and +5 D lenses: -8.25, -1.0, and +0.5 D, and +0.16, +0.08, and -0.02 mm, respectively). Also importantly, no significant CL-related adverse ocular effects were observed. This study provides proof of principle that defocusing RGP CLs are a feasible alternative to spectacle lenses for studies of eye growth regulation in young guinea pigs and experimental myopia specifically, with potential application in investigations into novel approaches for controlling myopia progression and underlying mechanisms.

This report discusses a case of multidrug-resistant fungal keratitis associated with contact lens use, complicated by corneal perforation and managed with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application. A 51-year-old previously healthy female patient with a history of extended-wear soft contact lens use for approximately five years was referred to our clinic due to decreased vision in her left eye over three weeks. Her visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and hand motion in the left eye. Slitlamp examination revealed an expansive infiltrate involving all layers of the cornea of the left eye. The infectious pathogen was identified as Fusarium . After one week of medical treatment, corneal perforation occurred in the left eye, leading to the application of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive to ensure globe integrity in the short term. After six months, slitlamp examination revealed no reactivation, prompting the removal of the cyanoacrylate from the corneal surface. Approximately one year later, tectonic penetrating keratoplasty and phacoemulsification surgeries were performed for visual rehabilitation. Subsequent vision improvement was observed, with the final best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR) of the left eye reaching 0.3. This case study demonstrates the complexity of managing multidrug-resistant fungal keratitis. The authors would like to highlight that the application of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is an immediate therapeutic option, due to its anatomical effect on globe integrity and potential antifungal properties, which can help reduce the risks associated with corneal transplantation.

Continuous and non-invasive intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is crucial for managing glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, existing tonometry methods are intermittent and lack the capability to capture dynamic IOP fluctuations. Herein, we present a highly sensitive, wireless contact lens (WCL) sensor based on a dual-spiral inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) resonator for real-time IOP monitoring. The sensor features an axisymmetric anti-parallel spiral architecture that synergistically enhances capacitive coupling and suppresses inductive mutual coupling, thereby amplifying the resonant frequency shift in response to corneal biomechanical deformation. Furthermore, a gradient line-width strategy is implemented to minimize resistive loss, concentrate charge density, and improve mechanical robustness. Systematic evaluations on a biomimetic eyeball platform and ex vivo porcine eyes demonstrate high sensitivity, with values of -1.839 MHz mmHg-1 and -0.69 MHz mmHg-1, respectively. These results highlight the potential of the WCL as a robust and scalable platform for continuous, non-invasive IOP monitoring in glaucoma management.

Psychometric Evaluation of the SPEED Questionnaire: Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance Across Contact Lens Wearers and Non-Wearers, Sex and Age.

To compare the effect of corneal rigid and scleral contact lenses (CRCL & SCL) on binocular vision and accommodative function in keratoconus (KCN) patients. In this prospective non- randomized comparative interventional study, patients aged 20 to 40 years with a definitive diagnosis of KCN were participated. Only patients with the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.40 LogMAR or better were included. A comprehensive examination including assessment of BCVA, refractive error, and stereopsis were performed. Furthermore, all participants underwent the complementary binocular vision and accommodation testing. All examinations were performed by spectacle and then repeated after contact lens fitting in both groups. In total, 31 patients were recruited (12 in the CRCL group and 19 in the SCL group). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in BCVA after lens fitting in both eyes, with the SCL group showing an average gain of approximately 1-3 lines. Additionally, a higher proportion of patients in the SCL group achieved central stereopsis (<100 sec/arc) following lens fitting (p = 0.011). While both SCL and CRCL contributed to improved visual acuity in patients with KCN compared with spectacle, SCL exhibited more advantages over CRCL, particularly in enhancing stereopsis and fusional vergence performance.

Postoperative microbial keratitis (MK) can cause graft failure and vision loss following keratoplasty for corneal endothelial decompensation. Many previous studies found penetrating keratoplasty (PK) to result in a higher incidence of MK than Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK); however, findings vary. Recently, there has been a shift towards selective transplant procedures, with DMEK becoming mainstream over PK for endothelial decompensation globally around 2017. This systematic review therefore aims to determine the incidence of MK following DMEK, DSAEK and PK for endothelial decompensation from 2017 to 2025 and to assess variation by follow-up duration, socioeconomic status, microbe type, patient age, contact lens wear and time after surgery. Multiple databases were systematically searched during 2017-2025. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale evaluated bias. Random-effects meta-analyses with logit transformation were performed; heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness. Pooled MK incidence was highest following PK (4.84%; 95% CI 3.25% to 7.15%; I2=97.7%), followed by DMEK (0.71%; 95% CI 0.18% to 2.86%; I2=83.5%), then DSAEK (0.27%; 95% CI 0.19% to 0.38%; I2=0%). Subgroup analyses showed variation but few significant differences. Trends suggested significantly higher MK incidence following PK in studies with longer follow-up. Bacterial keratitis was the most common overall; however, DMEK showed a more even distribution across microbe types. MK incidence was highest following PK. High heterogeneity and limited DMEK/DSAEK data warrant cautious interpretation. CRD420251179122.

The potential role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis-a scoping review.

Rapid corneal re-epithelialization is crucial to prevent infection and scarring, yet the efficacy of conventional topical therapies is hindered by their limited ocular bioavailability. To address this, we developed a daily replaceable chitosan-hyaluronic acid (CS-HA) bandage contact lens co-loaded with levofloxacin and betamethasone using a soaking-based drug-loading approach. In a rabbit 8-mm mechanical corneal debridement model (n = 15/group), the dual-drug CS-HA lens was compared with a chitosan-only drug-loaded lens, a commercial silicone-hydrogel bandage lens plus drops, and drops alone. The CS-HA lens maintained adequate optical transparency, water content, and oxygen permeability suitable for short-term wear. In vitro assays showed that the dual-drug CS-HA lens retained antibacterial inhibitory activity in agar diffusion tests and reduced TNF-α secretion in an LPS-stimulated THP-1 assay. Re-epithelialization was significantly faster with the CS-HA lens, achieving complete closure at a median of 3 days versus 5, 6, and 8 days in the respective control groups. Day-10 histology showed a well-stratified epithelium with no evidence of stromal inflammatory infiltration in the CS-HA group, whereas controls exhibited greater stromal disorganization. This biocompatible dual-drug platform may accelerate ocular surface restoration and reduce reliance on frequent topical dosing in settings such as post-refractive surgery care and persistent epithelial defects.

To evaluate the efficacies of orthokeratology (OK), defocus-incorporated soft contact lenses (DISC) and their combination with 0.01% atropine in slowing myopia progression in Chinese children and adolescents. This retrospective study analysed 336 myopic participants aged 6-15 years, including 144 males (42.9%) and 192 females (57.1%). The participants were divided into 4 groups: OK (n = 89), OK combined with 0.01% atropine (OKA, n = 84), DISC (n = 82) and DISC combined with 0.01% atropine (DISCA, n = 81). Axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Differences in AL changes among the groups were compared and subgroup analyses were conducted based on the initial age and spherical equivalent to explore the effectiveness of interventions across age and refractive error. After 12 months, OKA had less axial elongation than OK (-0.08, 95% CI [-0.11, -0.05]), DISC (-0.07, 95% CI [-0.10, -0.04]) and DISCA (-0.06, 95% CI [-0.10, -0.04]). Subgroup analyses revealed significant differences between the OK and OKA groups at three follow-up time points in the aged 6-9 year (0.04, 95% CI [0.003, 0.08], 0.05, 95% CI [0.008, 0.09], 0.08, 95% CI [0.04, 0.12]) and 0 to -2.75 dioptre (D) subgroups (0.04, 95% CI [0.001, 0.08], 0.06, 95% CI [0.02, 0.09], 0.10, 95% CI [0.06, 0.13]), with significant differences being observed at 12 months in the aged 10-15 year (0.07, 95% CI [0.01, 0.13]) and -3.00 to -6.00 D subgroups (0.08, 95% CI [0.01, 0.14]). Significant differences between OK and DISC were limited to the 0 to -2.75D subgroup at 3 months (0.05, 95% CI [0.009, 0.09]) and 12 months (0.04, 95% CI [0.001, 0.08]). OKA demonstrated superior myopia control efficacy than OK, DISC and DISCA. The synergistic effect of 0.01% atropine combined with OK was more pronounced in younger age and low myopia subgroups. Notably, DISC showed significantly better efficacy than OK in children with low myopia.

To develop a Scheimpflug-based image analysis technique to quantify tear exchange during scleral lens wear and investigate fluid reservoir tear dynamics during fenestrated lens wear. Nine healthy participants wore a scleral lens (KATT™, Capricornia Contact Lenses) with a single 0.3 mm diameter limbal fenestration in one eye for 90 min. Central (0-2.5 mm from the corneal apex) and peripheral (-1.0 to 0 mm from the scleral spur) stromal cornea oedema was measured using optical coherence tomography. Scheimpflug images were obtained during lens wear at multiple time points following the application of sodium fluorescein to the bulbar conjunctiva. These images were exported and annotatedmanually to select the region of interest (the fluid reservoir) from which the intensity of each pixel was extracted to provide a measure of fluorescent intensity (in arbitrary units [AU] on a scale of 0-255) throughout lens wear across the central 10 mm. The coefficient of repeatability for central fluid reservoir intensity measurements was 7 AU (on a scale of 0-255 AU). Fluid reservoir fluorescent intensity varied with measurement location (p < 0.001), being greater towards the periphery (4 and 5 mm from the centre). On average, intensity differences between the peripheral and central fluid reservoir diminished within 10 min of sodium fluorescein application. Two patterns of tear dynamics were observed and were classified as low and high flow. Low flow participants (n = 6) exhibited greater central (3.72× more) and peripheral (2.25× more) corneal oedema, but the difference was not statistically significant. The ingress and mixing of sodium fluorescein within the fluid reservoir stabilised between central and peripheral locations after 10 min of fenestrated scleral lens wear. Two patterns of tear dynamics were observed (low and high flow), with low flow participants exhibiting greater corneal oedema. Future research utilising the developed technique may provide further insights into tear exchange during scleral lens wear with different fenestration sizes and configurations.

Have Deprivation Amblyopia Outcomes Improved for Infants with Unilateral Cataracts?

Traditional methods of ocular drug delivery (i.e.) eye drops, have limited effectiveness, with only ∼5% the administered dose reaching deeper ocular tissues due to rapid drainage and barriers like the corneal epithelium and blood-retinal barriers. Alternatives such as ocular implants, gels, microneedles, and iontophoresis can improve bioavailability but often cause patient discomfort, invasiveness, or require specialized equipment. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are utilized in this study for sustained drug delivery using polydopamine (PDA) coatings combined with curcumin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs). Optimized PDA coatings, achieved with a 0.1 M dopamine hydrochloride solution 10h immersion, resulted in a uniform 1-3 μm thickness and functioned as a therapeutic neutral-density. Reaction time influenced nanoparticle distribution. Shorter times (1h) yield narrower size distributions and reduced aggregation. At a chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP) ratio of 2:1, particles averaged 167.3±1.9 nm with a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.15-0.25, indicating uniformity. Ethanol minimized aggregation, resulting in a narrower size distribution subsequently and creating a smooth nanocomposite film. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are protected from thermal degradation within chitosan NPs, and the hydrophilic PDA coating further stabilized the lenses. We created a convenient, non-invasive alternative to traditional methods, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance in ocular drug delivery.

Purpose: To assess the meibomian gland function, lid wiper region and Lid Parallel Conjunctival Folds among various types of contact lenses users. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study, conducted at Department of Optometry, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth deemed to be university, Vadodara, Gujarat, involved 54 patients with a mean age of 26.537 ± 5.233 years (18-40yrs). Thorough ocular examinations included visual complaints, past ocular history, systemic conditions, and contact lens details. TBUT and TMH tests assessed tear film stability and volume. OSDI, SPEED, and CLDEQ-8 questionnaires evaluated disability and dry eye symptoms. A slit lamp examination assessed the ocular surface, corneal lesions, and anterior chamber. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), lid wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and Lid Parallel Conjunctival Folds (LIPCOF) grading were also evaluated. Statistical significance was p &lt; 0.05, analyzed with SPSS 21.0. Results: Significantly different MGD and LWE gradings were observed overall between groups (p&lt;0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in LIPCOF grading among the three contact lens groups (p = 0.543) function and lid wiper epitheliopathy changes. LIPCOF alterations occur in hydrogels, silicone hydrogel, and RGP users. Consider modulus for lens material selection.