Interaction of silicone hydrogel contact lenses with lipids – a chronological review

Silicone hydrogel (Si-Hy) contact lenses are a common form of correction of refractive errors and are prescribed by eye care professionals around the world. Si-Hy lenses perform in a complex environment, which is the surface of the eye and the tear film. Therefore, they are exposed to various factors, such as lipid deposits. The aims of this paper are to review available scientific reports on the study of Si-Hy lens interactions with lipids and search for further research objectives. A total of 57 publications were identified and reviewed, from 2003 to 2020. In general, Si-Hy lenses are more likely to accumulate lipid deposits than traditional hydrogel lenses, although there are significant differences between Si-Hy lens materials that may result from different methods used in the studies. The review includes studies on various aspects of interactions between lenses and lipids, such as those concerning the effectiveness of lipids removal from lenses by care solutions. The conclusion points out future research directions, such as measurements of lipid diffusion in Si-Hy lens' matrices.