Since the early days of hydrogel contact lenses, tear film components have been known to deposit on and within the contact lens material. Tear film proteins, in particular, have been associated with discomfort, reduced vision and inflammatory reactions such as papillary conjunctivitis during contact lens wear. Understanding the state and role of tear film proteins, and how they interact with contact lenses and with solutions, is important if adverse events in contact lens wear are to be reduced.

Dr Philip Morgan is a senior lecturer in optometry and director of Eurolens Research at the University of Manchester, UK. Dr Curtis Dobson is a senior research fellow at the same institution and is CEO of the antimicrobial technology company Ai2 Limited.