Contact lens discomfort is the primary factor that limits an annual increases in the proportion of successful
contact lens patient outcomes. A stagnant level of 3.7 million UK patients masks an underlying turbulence with
30% discontinuing lens wear annually and over 50% of these citing discomfort as the causal factor, a trend
repeated globally. Recent research has pinpointed the eye-to-lens interface, ie. the lens surface, as the critical
factor in patient perception of comfort. Specifically the surface factors that can enhance comfort are the
reduction of (i) friction between the CL and ocular surface; (ii) and accumulation of denaturated protein and
lipid deposits. Inclusion of hydrophobic silicone monomers in contact lenses to amplify oxygen transport to the
avascular cornea tend to reduce lubriciousness whilst increasing lipid deposition. Contamac propose to exploit
novel nanofabrication protocols to create nanoscale polyethylene glycol (PEG) lens surface coatings that can
facilitate smart properties in order to provide greatly enhanced contact lens comfort through elimination of the
causal factors outlined above.
100,000
2012-10-01 to 2014-06-30
GRD Proof of Concept
Established in 1987 Contamac is a leading provider of specialist biocompatible polymers for implantable ophthalmic applications. The project goal is to develop novel high refractive index (high RI) polymers for the fabrication of intraocular lenses (IOLs). These are implanted in the eye during cataract surgery once the opaque natural lens has been removed. This procedure is one of the most regularly performed surgeries in the world, producing global revenues for finished IOLs of £1.4bn, growing to £2.0bn by 2015 (source: Global Industry Analysts).
Lenses made from high (RI) materials have the advantage they can be made thinner than existing materials and can be implanted into the eye through small incisions. Generally a smaller incision leads to improved patient outcomes, faster recovery and improved vision – improving the quality of life of the patient, and reducing the cost of post operative care.
Reduced incision size is an area expected to see further developments in the coming years. Surgical procedures have evolved and operations can now be conducted through incisions less than 1mm in size and the onus is now on material manufacturers to develop polymers and lenses with suitable properties to pass through these smaller incisions.
In developed countries, it is common for implanted lenses to be foldable and implanted
through the afore-mentioned small incisions. However in developing countries lenses are often fabricated from Perspex, resulting in rigid lenses that cannot be implanted through small incisions.
The project will concentrate on;
Developing a high RI hydrophobic material, facilitating insertion through a smaller incision than current hydrophobic materials are capable
Creating a cost effective hydrophobic material, to replace PMMA, allowing all patients better surgical outcome, and financial savings to governments who fund surgery
Addressing a lack of innovation in material development, caused partly by the market
domination of one supplier