Effect of Protein (Bovine Serum Albumin) Content on the Frictional Behaviour of Soft Contact Lenses Using a Dynamic Oscillating Tribometer

Abstract

Proteins can adsorb on the surface of materials, such as soft contact lenses (SCLs), and can affect the hydrophobicity, roughness, and surface properties of the contact lenses (CLs), which, in turn, can influence the friction between the lenses and the ocular surface. Excessive friction between contact lenses and the ocular surface can lead to discomfort for the wearer and may cause irritation or inflammation of the cornea, better known as corneal ulcers (keratitis). Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) is often used as a standard protein in biocompatibility testing of materials, including contact lenses. One standard commercial contact lens was tested under lubricated conditions to access the coefficient of friction (CoF). The contact was lubricated with a tear-like fluid (TLF) solution containing six different concentrations of BSA. In all cases, good linearity of the results of the friction force was verified, suggesting that the first friction law can be applied to determine the value of the coefficient of friction. It was found that friction increases with the increase in protein concentration.