• Journal of Korean Ophthalmic Optics Society
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.233-239
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• 2012

Purpose: In the study, the change of protein and lipid deposits on soft contact lens by drinking was investigated. Methods: Fifty male subjects wearing soft contact lens were surveyed whether they felt any discomfort induced by drinking or not. Further, 32 male subjects who has no ocular disease drank 190 mL alcohol. The protein and lipid deposits on soft contact lens (etafilcon A material) of subjects were measured after 4 hours later and compared with those of non-drinking subject. Results: When subjects drink alcohol with soft contact lens on, 58% of subjects answered they experienced the change of lens awareness such as stiffness, blurry sight, dryness and so on. The protein deposit on soft contact lens increased an average of $59.3{\mu}g/lens$ by drinking and the case of more than double in protein deposit was reached in 9 eyes. However, the protein deposited on soft contact lens was lysozyme which was unchanged by drinking. The amounts of cholesterol and methyl oleate after drinking were 85.5% (p=0.25) and 52.6% (p=0.002) of non-drinking's indicating some change of lipid deposit on soft contact lens by drinking. Conclusions: The results showed the composition of protein and lipid deposited on soft contact lens was changed due to drinking. Thus, it is suggested that wearing soft contact lens when drinking might be one of the reasons to feel discomfort.