A new contact lens material developed by a cross-disciplinary team from the University of Waterloo could aid in the healing of eye abrasions, making treatment efficient and effective for a more streamlined healing process. Patients with corneal abrasions typically spend seven to ten days wearing a clear, oxygen-permeable bandage contact lens and using antibiotic eye drops. However, a one-time application of the antibiotics makes it challenging to sustain the presence of the drugs in the eye to facilitate the treatment. This new contact lens material acts as a bandage for corneal wounds while releasing drugs in a controlled manner. The targeted-release drug delivery system also responds to the body’s needs; the more injured a patient is, the more drugs are administered to aid healing. This targeted drug delivery could potentially speed up healing and reduce discomfort compared to traditional eye drops, which can wash away easily. This development paves a promising outlook for eye care and, potentially, other bodily injuries.
What are corneal abrasions?
Corneal abrasions are scratches or scrapes on the eye’s cornea, which is the clear surface of the eye that covers the iris and pupil and allows light to pass inside. It’s a common eye injury that can be caused by various factors, such as scratching the eye with sharp fingernails, playing sports, accidentally swiping the area with a makeup brush, or even having very dry eyes. This can lead to blurry vision, red and watery eyes, uncomfortable sensations, and light sensitivity. Recovery without permanent eye damage is possible, but insufficient treatment can lead to infections and corneal erosion, potentially causing more long-term eye issues. Proper treatments can prevent damage and restore comfort and functionality to the eye, and this new contact lens material can help improve the process.
Contact lens technology
While this new contact lens material for corneal abrasion treatment is still under development, other contact lens technologies have been advancing in other ways as well. Contact lenses have evolved to suit a wide range of vision needs beyond vision correction and to accommodate changing external factors, such as the growth of digital devices and prolonged screen time. Contacts like the ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day with HydraLuxe Technology keep the eyes moist and reduce friction and discomfort, which can be helpful for those who often experience tired, heavy, and dry eyes from working with screens or other straining tasks. Others, like the PRECISION1 for Astigmatism, help wearers with astigmatism achieve clear and comfortable vision. Contact lenses provide a convenient way to address vision issues, and these advancements target the needs of those with certain lifestyles or eye errors for more inclusive and personalized treatment.
Contact lenses and eye care
Contact lenses are helpful for vision correction and injury treatment, and great care must be taken since they sit directly on the eye. It’s this function that the new contact lens material from the University of Waterloo takes advantage of, as incorporating the drugs into the contact lens rather than the eye drops boosts convenience and effectiveness. But since the contact lens touches the eye’s surface, they still require proper cleaning, disinfection, and disposal for optimal comfort and functionality, even with hydration technology, drug-release systems, and more. Optometric services also ensure that people get the right contact lenses for their vision or get their prescriptions regularly updated to prevent discomfort and deteriorating eye health. Whether you’re using contact lenses for vision correction or corneal abrasions, it’s essential to take the proper care steps and get the right guidance to ensure they’re right for you, allowing you to maintain your eye health.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
