Page 24 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition March-April 2024
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UV PROTECTIVE this transition vary based on the specific photochromic material used.
CONTACT The researchers also explained that by using different
LENSES thermochromic and photochromic powders they could enable user-
specific customisation, thereby, wearers could choose lenses based
on their unique needs.
A team of researchers at According to the report, the Khalifa University team’s lenses
Khalifa University has developed are temperature-sensitive and multifunctional, displaying optical
state-of-the-art UV protective changes within physiological conditions. They darken outdoors due
contact lenses. Their findings to UV rays from sunlight and respond to changes in temperature.
were recently published in Light: They also have noteworthy UV and blue light filtering capabilities
Science & Applications. coupled with colorimetric temperature responses.
It is a well-known fact that
excessive exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) light can lead to a greater
risk of developing cataracts NATURAL DISINFECTANT
and other ocular conditions FOR CLS
like age-related macular
degeneration (AMD) and photo
keratitis. Using smart materials The University of Portsmouth recently reviewed a study on
such as photochromic and a potential breakthrough in contact lens hygiene. The study
thermochromic powders, Prof. suggests that a naturally occurring material could serve as an
Haider Butt and PhD student effective disinfectant for contact lenses, offering hope for the
Ahmed Salih, both from the millions who rely on them worldwide.
Department of Mechanical
Engineering, created the new Microbial keratitis, a serious complication for contact lens
lenses that offer hope in treating wearers, poses a significant risk of corneal infection, primarily
such diseases. The lenses claim caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While
to have exceptional optical existing disinfecting solutions struggle to prevent biofilm
attributes depending on their formation on lenses, researchers explored the antimicrobial
activated and inactivated states. properties of hydroquinine, an organic compound found in
certain tree barks.
The researchers revealed that
The study, conducted in collaboration with Naresuan and
photochromic powders change Pibulsongkram Rajabhat universities in Thailand, examined
their structure in response to UV, multipurpose solutions (MPSs) containing hydroquinine.
while thermochromic ones react Comparing its efficacy to commercial solutions like Opti-Free
to temperature variations. They Replenish and Q-Eye, they found that hydroquinine-based
can offer a simpler, cost-effective solutions eliminated 99.9% of bacteria at the time of disinfection.
solution for managing and
possibly preventing a range of Dr. Robert Baldock, from the University of Portsmouth's School
eye conditions when integrated of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, expressed optimism about
into lenses. the research's potential impact, highlighting the importance of
exploring natural alternatives to mitigate the risk of contact lens
Furthermore, these transition contamination and associated complications.
contact lenses can ably block
about 45 percent of UV and Lead author Sattaporn Weawsiangsang, currently a visiting
20 percent of blue light under researcher at the University of Portsmouth, emphasised the
regular lighting. And, when they need for further investigation into hydroquinine's safety and
are exposed to UV radiation, effectiveness. While initial findings are promising, ongoing
the lenses darken in real time, research aims to explore its potential as a preventive measure
absorbing portions of visible against contamination and infection.
light. The speed and intensity of
20 | THE INDIAN OPTICIAN | MAR-APR 2024 CONTACT LENS NEWS
