The Effect of Eyelid Margin Debridement on Contact Lens Discomfort

Contact lens discomfort (CLD) is a substantial problem experienced frequently by contact lens wearers and it is the primary factor associated with permanent discontinuation of lens wear. Studies report that between 43% and 72% of contact lens wearer's dropout due to discomfort. Reducing the number of contact lens (CL) patient dropouts has been a continuing challenge for eye care professionals. With more than 125 million contact lens wearers around the world, patient discontinuations can have a considerable economic impact on an eye care practice.

Definition: Contact lens discomfort is a condition characterized by episodic or persistent adverse ocular sensations related to lens wear, either with or without visual disturbance, resulting from reduced compatibility between the contact lens and the ocular environment, which can lead to decreased wearing time and discontinuation of contact lens wear.

Inferences from our earlier study (HC15119) showed that eyelid margin debridement significantly improves eyelid signs, tear film properties and comfort in contact lens wearers. But the previous study did not consider the duration of efficacy as the subjects were only followed up once after 7-10days from treatment. Observing subjects more frequently will help us understand the duration of efficacy of debridement therapy. Also, the previous study did not examine the biochemical changes to tear film lipids that are produced by the eyelids.

It is hypothesized that debridement of eyelid margins improves lipid secretions that then help to form a stable lipid layer over ocular surface, thereby improving the tear evaporation dynamics and comfort in contact lens wearers.

Aim: The aim of the study is to observe the duration of efficacy of debridement of the eyelid margins in improving secretions from eyelid glands and whether the debridement helps to form a stable tear film over ocular surface, thereby improving comfort in contact lens wearers.

Objectives: To determine the effect of BlephEx - debridement therapy (an in-office eyelid treatment) on eyelid signs and secretions, tear film and contact lens discomfort.

To observe differences in discomfort in contact lens wearers To determine the duration of efficacy of BlephEx debridement therapy in contact lens wearers, by following up after 12-15 days and 22-25days from the baseline (Treatment) visit.

Methods: The study employs cross-sectional study design, to observe the effect of treatment at three instances, one baseline (treatment) visit and two follow-up visits. At the baseline visit, informed consent will be obtained from the subjects and assessment of the study variables will be performed. Participants will undergo treatment on the same day with BlephEx. At baseline, the measurements are performed prior to treatment to record preliminary scores and then treatment is performed. Participants are asked to return to the clinic for follow-up visits during which no treatment will be performed, but variables are assessed to determine the difference from baseline measurements. The 2nd visit will be after 12 -16 days after the baseline visit. The last follow-up will be 22-26 days after the baseline visit. All study variables will be assessed during all three visits to the clinic.

Treatment Procedure: BlephEx is an instrument that contains a handpiece used to spin a medical grade micro-sponge along the edge of eyelids and lashes that helps in removing scurf and debris from eyelids and helps in exfoliating the lids. A new micro-sponge will be used for every subject to avoid cross-contamination. This procedure lasts for 6-8 mins.

Lid Hygenix is a commercially available formulated hypoallergenic foam cleanser will be used to moisten the BlephEx debridement tips.

Both the products are commercially available. The procedure is safe, painless and regularly performed by optometrists.

'Participant information sheet and informed consent' and 'web-based survey for the end of the day discomfort rating' will be sent out in the form of an email. Participants who are interested in participation will respond to the survey and results will be used only after the subject signs the informed consent in the presence of the investigator, during the baseline visit. This survey response will be used as baseline data for the end of the day discomfort.

Inclusion criteria

• Age of 18 years or above
• Understand their rights as a research subject
• Willing and able to sign a statement of informed consent
• Normal ocular status, defined as a minimum of 20/40 visual acuity in each eye; clear corneas without scarring, opacities, or vascularization, as determined by biomicroscopic examination
• Normal external examination
• Normal puncta without punctal plugs
• Ability to cooperate with the required procedures of diagnostic agent installation, eyelid eversion, and examination.
• Contact lens wearers who have worn lenses for at least 6 months, used contact lenses for 3 weeks before the evaluation visit and used these lenses at least four times a week. These contact lens wearers will be on daily wearing modality, where the subject is supposed to wear it for at least for 6 hours, only during the day and remove the lenses during sleep.

Exclusion criteria

• Any ocular or systemic disease that might influence the tear film and especially subjects with a history of episodes of epilepsy.
• Subjects with eyelid inflammation of more than grade 2 will be excluded from the study as they need therapeutic intervention.
• All conjunctival abnormalities, including pingueculae greater than 1 mm in diameter, location closer than 2 mm to the limbus, or elevated more than 0.2 mm
• All forms of conjunctivitis, including allergic conjunctivitis
• Fluorescein corneal staining of grade 2 or more, after a single installation of non-preserved fluorescein solution followed by examination 1 minute after installation
• Current ocular infection or treatment of such infections with ocular or systemic medications
• Current use of any prescription or non-prescription ocular or systemic medications, including antihistamines
• Use of artificial tear preparations during the period 2 hours before the examination
• Use of any ocular ointment during the 3 days before the examination
• Any history of ocular surgery