Plasma Coating Gas Permeable Contact Lenses For Dry Eyes - Temporary Or Long Term Improvement?

The last several years an exciting new technologyfirst worn. There is some evidence that the surface
for rigid gas permeable contact lenses has becomeproperties of the contact lens material is altered by
available. Plasma coating treatment can be applied toplasma treatment that results in increased wetting
most gas permeable contact lens materialsand comfort on an ongoing basis. My experience has
(fluorosilicone acrylate rigid gas permeable (RGP)been there is a definite surface alteration that results
contact lenses). We usually refer to this as a coatingin an increase in eye comfort of 15-20 percent or
in our Eye Clinic but some Eye Doctors believe it ismore that lasts for 1-2 years. There is some
strictly a cleaning process of the lens surface.controversy whether some solutions can damage this
Advanced Surface Technology, Inc. manufactures theeffect.
system used in the contact lens industry to apply aWe advise staying with what the manufacturers
plasma treatment. Plasma is a gas that has becomerecommend and avoiding any harsh chemicals or
partially ionized and is a unique form of matter withabrasive cleaners. At this time, I view plasma
properties different from solids, liquids, or gasses.treatments as coatings and believe any polishing of
Plasma treatment processes vary, but most improvethe lens destroys the surface benefits. I think plasma
the ability of the treated surface to stay wettreatments are a tremendous advance in comfort
(hydrophilic).technology and use them on every gas permeable
AST describes the PJ plasma treatment as a systemlens we prescribe. Lens drying is probably the number
to treat and clean the surface of various materialone cause of lens discomfort and intolerance today
including metals, ceramics, glass, and silicon. Plasmaand this is a welcome improvement, especially for
treating is excellent at removing organiccontact lens wearers with dry eyes or living in dry
contamination and often used to improve the bondingclimates like Fort Collins. Plasma treatments of gas
of subsequent coatings. Plasma treatments are usedpermeable and soft contact lenses are at a very
on some soft contact lenses (silicone hydrogel lenses)early stage of development and we can expect to
to improve wetting and make them more depositsee many improvements over time as the surface
resistant. These processes make definite alternationsalterations are better understood and targeted on an
on the surface of the contact lens surfaces that areindividualized basis for maximum contact lens eye
permanent. It is still not clear how a plasmacomfort, and lenses that are extremely deposit
treatment effects the surface of a gas permeableresistant and less prone to eye infections and allergic
contact lens. There is no dispute that the lenseye reactions.
surface is extremely clean and wets very well when