Deposits on hydrophilic 'bandage' lenses. A scanning electronmicroscopic and x-ray microanalytic study.

Scanning electronmicroscopy of 34 continuously worn Sauflon PW 'bandage' lenses showed an initial deposition of cellular debris, followed by an increasing, general, non-penetrating, organic coating, particularly on the anterior lens surface. No microorganisms were found. X-ray microanalysis of the 34 Sauflon PW lenses as well as 11 daily worn Hydroflex m lenses showed that elements may be added to or 'washed out' from the lenses during storage before preparation for microscopy. The elements obtained were constituents of both normal tear fluid and lens storage solutions. Only sulphur appeared firmly bound in the deposits, probably as sulphur-containing macromolecules of ocular mucus. Calcium was only detected in a few cases.