The Future of Silicone Hydrogels

Significant advances during the past decade in silicone hydrogel lenses have made them the primary mode for new contact lens wear. Their dominance in the market place is driven largely by the elimination of structural and physiological changes induced by contact lens-induced hypoxia, as exemplified especially by the reduction in limbal redness. However, end-of-day dryness and discomfort still drives many to discontinue lens wear. Evidence also indicates that the rate of serious adverse events, such as microbial keratitis, have not been impacted with the use of silicone hydrogel lenses. Moreover, there are additional challenges relating to 'corneal staining' and corneal infiltrates associated with the incompatibility of lens care product with contact lens polymers. On the other hand, technological advances enabled by the high oxygen platform present opportunities for expanding the use of contact lenses in areas that have exhibited limited uptake in the past such as astigmatism, presbyopia, and importantly myopia control. The challenges and opportunities facing the field will be discussed.