Another angle on contact lens surface analysis

Purpose: Dynamic contact angle (DCA) methods have advantages over other contact angle methodologies, not least that they can provide more than single contact angle values. Here we illustrate the use of DCA analysis to provide “fingerprint” characterisation of contact lens surfaces, and the way that different materials change in the early stages of wear. Method: The DCA method involves attaching to a microbalance weighted strips cut from a lens. The strips are then cyclically inserted into and removed from an aqueous solution. Conventionally, readings of force taken from linear portions of the resultant dipping curves are translated into advancing (CAa) and receding contact (CAr) angles. Additionally, analysis of the force versus immersion profile provides a “fingerprint” characterisation of the state of the lens surface. Results: CAa and CAr values from DCA traces provide a useful means of differentiating gross differences in hydrophilicity and molecular mobility of surfaces under particular immersion and emersion conditions, such as dipping rate and dwell times. Typical values for etafilcon A (CAa:63.1; CAr:37) and balafilcon B (CAa:118.4; CAr:36.4) illustrate this. Surface modifications induced in lens manufacture are observed to produce not only changes in these value, which may be small, but also changes in the DCA “fingerprint” (slope, undulations, length of plateau). Interestingly, similar changes are induced in the first few hours of lens wear with some lens-patient combinations. Conclusions: Although single parameter contact angles are useful for material characterisation, information of potential clinical interest can be obtained from more detailed analysis of DCA traces.