Tear fluid immuno-inflammatory signatures in contact lens-induced discomfort

Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2026 Apr 3;49(3):102651. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2026.102651. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Contact lens-induced discomfort (CLD), a key reason behind discontinuation of CL wear, is associated with an altered ocular surface immune profile. Hence, this study investigated the status of immuno-inflammatory factors in the tear fluid (TF) of CLD subjects.

METHODS: Thirty-nine CL users grouped based on CLD status and types of CL participated in this non-masked multi-visit study. CLDEQ-8 score was used to group the 39 habitual CL wearers as those with (n = 18) and without (n = 21) CLD. Enrolled subjects used either of the two types of CL: 1-Day Acuvue®Moist (CL-A) and DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® (CL-D). Discomfort was determined by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score. TF and VAS score were collected during CL wear (immediately before and after CL wear) and CL free (morning and evening) periods. TF collected using Schirmer's strip was analyzed for the levels of 49 immuno-inflammatory factors using multiplex ELISA.

RESULTS: VAS scores were significantly lower in CLD subjects compared with those without CLD, during CL wear and CL free periods. Multivariate analysis suggests TF immuno-inflammatory factors' levels to be influenced by CLD status and/or lens type interaction. Levels of C3a, C4a, IL-10, and sIL-1R1 were significantly higher in CLD subjects compared to those without CLD during both CL wear and CL free periods. No significant differences in the VAS scores and TF factor levels were observed between the CL types within the study groups.

CONCLUSION: Inherent perturbations in ocular surface immuno-inflammatory factors' levels were observed in CLD subjects with minimal effects or influence of the CL types studied.

PMID:41935474 | DOI:10.1016/j.clae.2026.102651