The Impact of Comfort Eluting Agents and Replacement Frequency on Enhancing Contact Lens Performance

Chau-Minh Phan,1,2 Alex Hui,1,3 Xinfeng Charlie Shi,4 Ying Zheng,4 Lakshman N Subbaraman,4 James Wu,4 Lyndon Jones1,2 1Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada; 2Centre for Eye and Vision Research (CEVR), Science Park, Hong Kong; 3School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; 4Alcon Research LLC, Fort Worth, TX, USACorrespondence: Chau-Minh Phan, Email [email protected]: This review explores the development and clinical implications of soft contact lenses designed to elute comfort agents, emphasizing their role in enhancing user experience and ocular health. As discomfort remains one of the primary reasons for discontinuation of lens wear, this concept aims to address this challenge by gradually releasing these agents over their period of use. This review also explores the effectiveness, safety, and user satisfaction associated with frequent replacement schedules of these lenses. Clinical trials demonstrate that lenses with eluting comfort agents significantly reduce dryness and irritation, leading to improved wear-time and overall comfort. The findings suggest that frequent replacement not only enhances lens hygiene but also maximizes the therapeutic benefits of the eluted agents, promoting a healthier ocular environment. The implications for practice highlight a shift towards more patient-centered approaches in contact lens design and management, aiming to improve adherence and satisfaction among users. This research paves the way for future innovations in contact lens technology, focusing on personalized solutions that cater to individual comfort needs.Keywords: comfort, contact lens, replacement frequency, wettability