Lactoferrin in tears in contact lens wearers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the concentration of lactoferrin in 126 healthy subjects before being fitted with contact lenses. We obtained repeat measurements 9 months following contact lens fitting in patients who developed giant papillary conjunctivitis and in those who were successful contact lens wearers. METHODS: We accomplished tear stimulation by the use of Allyl sulphide, a non-toxic organic compound. We measured lactoferrin by the radial immuno-diffusion technique. RESULTS: We found a significant decrease of lactoferrin levels in the tears of patients with giant papillary conjunctivitis.