Objectives: The continuous interest surrounding the utilisation of contact lens for various purposes such as vision correction, cosmetics, and ocular drug delivery has led to more innovations to maximise its potential into more novel applications. Contact lens serving as a polymer matrix vehicle may be an effective system in releasing drugs at a desired rate and duration, proving supreme over conventional methods. Although studies are continuously conducted to gather evidence of its potential and effectiveness, there are various hurdles preventing availability to the public.
Methods:This review surveys the current and potential applications of contact lenses with emphasis on in vivo studies, clinical trials and current regulations.
Key findings:The number of contact lenses' wearers has gradually increased overtime. With the continuous research advancement, there is a high hope for contact lenses to be used as an ocular drug delivery system and could potentially provide a great platform for managing conditions such as glaucoma, allergy and photosensitivity. Moreover, the use of smart contact lenses in managing nonocular conditions like diabetes demonstrates its endless possibilities.
Conclusion:Side effects associated with frequent using of contact lenses and current regulations by governing bodies are amongst the challenges for the emerging new applications.
Keywords:
Contact Lenses: Clinical Evaluation, Associated Challenges and Perspectives
2/13Copyright: ©2017 Mosuela et al.
CorrectiveContact lens, in terms of correcting vision, functions the same way as conventional eyeglasses [12]. There are, however, different types of contact lenses to correct different vision problems including myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (both near and far-sightedness [13].
MyopiaMyopia is one of the prevailing causes of reduced vision throughout the world. In simple terms, myopia or nearsightedness is the blurred vision to far away objects. According to the British Contact Lens Association (BCLA), myopia develops during the early ages of a growing adult, usually from 6 to 8 years of age although the onset of progression varies [14]. Theoretically, myopia is a result of changes concerning the length of eyeball [15]. When the eyeball is affected by the change in shape of the cornea for prolonged periods, this causes the light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than on its surface directly. Diagnosis and treatment of myopia involve the expertise of an eye specialist to provide best method of treatment. Eyeglasses are the simplest way to correct this vision problem. However, contact lens gives more benefits, mainly comfort and clearer vision along with a more cosmetic appeal [16]. The main types of recommended lenses are gas permeable, soft, bifocal, multi focal and orthokeratology [14]. However, the use of these methods to correct vision issues was not enough for long term management resulting in a probable reoccurrence of myopia. Hence, different studies have been co...