Studies on the uptake and release of fluoroquinolones by disposable contact lenses.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the ability of three types of disposable contact lenses to take up and release three kinds of fluoroquinolones in vitro.

METHODS

We evaluated three FDA-approved disposable soft contact lenses (1-Day Acuvue, Medalist, and 14UV) for their ability to absorb and release three kinds of fluoroquinolones. Contact lenses were presoaked in fluoroquinolones for 1, 4, and 24 hours, and the uptake was determined by measuring the concentration of fluoroquinolones in the three types of disposable soft contact lenses by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). After uptake, the lenses were placed in fresh saline baths, and release rates from the lenses were determined by measuring the concentration of fluoroquinolones in the saline baths by HPLC.

RESULTS

The disposable soft contact lens with the highest uptake of fluoroquinolones was the 1-Day Acuvue. After presoaking, drug concentrations in the 1-Day Acuvue and Medalist were higher than their theoretical saturation concentrations (i.e., the concentration of the fluoroquinolone eye drops [0.3%]). The release rates from the 1-Day Acuvue and Medalist lenses were slower than for the 14 UV lens.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that among the lenses tested, the most practical drug delivery system is the 1-Day Acuvue disposable soft contact lens.