소프트콘택트렌즈 재질과 착색에 따른 눈물성분 침착과칸디다균 흡착의 상관관계

Purpose: The aim of this study was to figure out how the characteristics of soft contact lens materials and pigmentation affect the adherence of C. albicans on soft contact lenses pre-deposited with tear constituents. Methods: The adherent number of C. albicans on clear soft contact lenses (hereinafter clear lenses) and circle soft contact lenses (hereinafter circle lenses) made of etafilcon A, hilaiflcon B and nelfilcon A, respectively, was measured before and after the deposition of artificial tear. Also, bacteria adherence on lenses were observed by a scanning electron microscope. Results: Adherence of C. albicans was significantly different according to lens materials. The amount of adsorption was not different between clear lenses and circle lenses made of etafilcon A however, the number of bacteria absorption was bigger in hilafilcon B and nelfilcon A lenses. More absorption of C. albicans was found in the non-pigmented central area compared the pigmented area, and non-pigmented peripheral area has more bacterial absorption than non-pigmented central area. The number of C. albicans decreased in the case that tear protein was pre-deposited. The maintenance of antibacterial activity against C. albicans was different according to lens materials thus, etafilcon A has the longest period of its maintenance. Conclusions: It was revealed that the number of C. albicans was different according to the characteristics of lens materials, pigmentation or non-pigmentation, the pigmented area of soft contact lenses. Thus, it is suggested that the management method should be different according to the adsorption characteristics of C. albicans.