Overall performance of the Safegel 1 day lens

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Discontinuation from contact lens wear occurs as a result of poor comfort in as many as 72 per cent of the cases,1 with dryness being the most commonly reported symptom.2-4 Symptoms of discomfort and dryness with contact lens wear have been related to, among other things, dehydratation,5 protein and lipid deposition,6 modulus of rigidity, wettability and lubricity.7,8

Consequently much contact lens research and development has focused on providing even more comfortable contact lenses and specifically lenses that help eliminate dryness and other undesirable sensations. Contact lens and lens care manufacturers have spent millions working on innovative new products from low dehydrating and more lubricious lens materials, to adding a variety of wetting and lubricating agents into multi-purpose solutions and, most recently, to lens materials. One such product to take the latter approach is Safegel 1 day, which was launched into the UK at Optrafair 2007. This patented lens material incorporates the biopolymer sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid or HA) into its lens matrix, the slow release of which its manufacturer claims will improve long-term comfort.