Comparison Of Latanoprost Drops On Different Soft Contact Lenses: Dynamic Contact Angle Analysis

Contact angle, representing a measure of surface wetting, is often used to interpret contact lens surface characteristics. This study aimed to compare the contact angles and surface wetting of Latanoprost-containing antiglaucoma drops on different daily silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

The study was conducted ex vivo by a single experienced researcher at the Chemistry Department of Uludağ University in Bursa in January 2024.

Using the sessile drop technique, Latanoprost drops were applied to soft contact lenses, and measurements of contact angles were taken using goniometry and a contact angle measurement device. Nine disposable silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses were utilized, these lenses included Etafilcon A and Senofilcon A (Johnson & Johnson, Jacksonville), Nelfilcon A, Verofilcon A, Lotrafilcon A, and Lotrafilcon B (Alcon, United States), Balafilcon A, and Samfilcon A (Bausch & Lomb; Lomb, Ontario, Canada). The contact angle of each lens was measured after dropping Latanoprost.

Etafilcon A, Nelfilcon A, and Lotrafilcon B absorbed entirely within 0.99 seconds. Balafilcon A fully absorbed by 5 seconds, with angles of 38.89° at 0.99 seconds and 25.01° at 4 seconds. Samfilcon A gradually absorbed over time, showing angles of 43.8° at 0.99 seconds, 33.8° at 4 seconds, and 30.4° at 60 seconds. Lotrafilcon A exhibited slower absorption, decreasing from 34.9° at 0.99 seconds to 14.4° at 60 seconds. Senofilcon A and Verofilcon A had relatively slower absorption, with decreasing angles over time. Senofilcon A demonstrated angles of 67.7° at 0.99 seconds, 67.0° at 4 seconds, and 54.7° at 60 seconds. Verofilcon A had angles of 53.2° at 0.99 seconds, 41.4° at 4 seconds, and 36.3° at 60 seconds, showing partial absorption.

The contact angle measurements conducted after applying Latanoprost on soft contact lenses provided insights into their permeability and wettability to the medication. Among the soft contact lens materials tested, Etafilcon A, Nelfilcon A, and Lotrafilcon B exhibited the highest permeability to Latanoprost. Consequently, these materials could be considered more suitable for patients who require Latanoprost treatment, as they allow for better absorption of the medication compared to other materials.