Corneal Edema Induced by Balafilcon A Contact Lens in Rabbits

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the increase of corneal thickness by Balafilcon A (PureVision(R)) with that by HEMA hydrogel in rabbits. METHODS: 15 eyes of New Zealand white rabbits were divided into three groups. Each group was as follows Group 1 recieved tasorraphy without contact lens insertion, group 2 had PureVision(R) lens insertion with tasorraphy and group 3 had New hypa day(R) lens insertion with tasorrhaphy. After anterior segment examination, tasorrhaphy was performed in group 1 and corneal thickness was measured at 24 and 48 hours. Five PureVision lenses were applied to left corneas of group 2 and transient tasorrhaphy was performed. After 24 and 48 hours, corneal thickness was measured. Same procedure was made in group 3 by applying five New hypa day(R) lenses on left eyes. Anterior segment was reexamined with slit lamp at 24 and 48 hours in all three groups. RESULTS: Baseline corneal thickness showed no statistical difference among three groups (p>0.05). At 24 hours, the corneal thickness of group 3 (New hypa day(R) lens inserted) increased significantly than that of the other groups (p0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Balafilcon A contact lens which has high oxygen transmissibility of silicone with high water content of hydrogel, induce less corneal swelling than conventional extended wear contact lens, HEMA hydrogel in short-term period. However long-term evaluation about Balafilcon A contact lens is required to get more data on corneal swelling and complications after long-term wearing.