WATERLOO, Ontario, March 4, 2025 — Each year, CORE publishes on a wide variety of topics, and 2024 was no different. CORE researchers co-authored 33 peer-reviewed manuscripts that were published in 2024, with topics covering drug-releasing contact lenses, 3D-printed lens materials, myopia control, specialty lenses, clinically meaningful differences when using rating scales, and much more. The 2024 top 10 publications exemplify the wide range of research we are doing at CORE. Make sure to check out our publications by visiting our website.
The Top 10 papers for 2024, in chronological order of publishing, include:
- Bose S, Phan C-M, Rizwan M, Tse JW, Yim E, Jones L. Fabrication and Characterization of an Enzyme-Triggered, Therapeutic-Releasing Hydrogel Bandage Contact Lens Material. Pharmaceutics. 2024; 16(1):26.
This study explored GelMA+, a new material for potential use as bandage contact lenses that releases medication in response to the enzyme MMP-9 in tears. The 30% formulation showed greater strength and slower breakdown than the 20% version and supported better cell growth. When loaded with bovine lactoferrin, the 30% GelMA+ gradually released the protein over five days, with the release rate increasing with higher enzyme levels. These findings suggest that enzyme-triggered drug-releasing contacts could offer a new method for treatment of ocular diseases in which MMP-9 is upregulated. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16010026
- Phan CM, Wy Chan V, Drolle E, et al. Evaluating the in vitro wettability and coefficient of friction of novel and contemporary reusable silicone hydrogel contact lens materials using an in vitro blink model. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024; 47(2):102129.
This study evaluated the in vitro performance of serafilcon A, a weekly replacement silicone hydrogel lens that releases the amphiphilic polymer PEO-PBO, compared to other SiHy lenses. Over seven days, serafilcon A gradually released PEO-PBO, with a 50% decrease in release by day 7. This led to slightly increased contact angles but no significant changes in friction or NIKBUT. In contrast, other lenses showed increases in friction or contact angles over time. These findings highlight how serafilcon A maintains stable wettability and friction performance despite the gradual depletion of its releasable wetting agent, providing valuable insights into its potential performance over its weekly replacement period. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102129
- Qiu SX, Fadel D, Hui A. Scleral Lenses for Managing Dry Eye Disease in the Absence of Corneal Irregularities: What Is the Current Evidence? J Clin Med. 2024; 13(13):3838.
Scleral lenses are typically used to treat eyes with corneal irregularities, but there is growing interest in their potential to help patients with dry eye disease, even when the cornea is not an abnormal shape or thickness. Some patients report significant symptom relief with scleral lens wear, leading to discussions about moving scleral lenses earlier in the dry eye treatment hierarchy. This review examines the limited but emerging evidence supporting this approach, highlighting scleral lens benefits such as corneal healing, reduced tear evaporation, and improved vision and comfort. Scleral lenses may play a broader role in dry eye disease management beyond their current use. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133838
- Ganguly S, Wulff D, Phan CM, Jones LW, Tang XS. Injectable and 3D Extrusion Printable Hydrophilic Silicone-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Ocular Delivery of Ophthalmic Drugs. ACS Appl Bio Mater. 2024; 7(9):6286-6296.
Silicone elastomers are commonly used in the biomedical industry, but 3D printing them has been challenging due to their slow drying time, low viscosity, and hydrophobicity. This study developed a hydrophilic silicone hydrogel for 3D printing using a semi-interpenetrating polymer network and photogelation. The printed hydrophilic silicone hydrogels exhibited strong mechanical properties, including high elasticity and low deformation after compression. The hydrogel also demonstrated effective drug loading and stable, tunable release for up to a month. This is the first hydrophilic, silicone-based soft biomaterial to function as an efficient controlled drug delivery system. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsabm.4c00901
- Guthrie SE, Luensmann D, Woods J, Vega J, Orsborn G. Relationships Between Success Factors in Daily Disposable Multifocal Contact Lenses. Clin Optom (Auckl). 2024; 16:157-167.
This study aimed to understand how subjective comfort and vision are linked for habitual multifocal soft contact lens (MFCL) wearers refitted with daily disposable MFCLs and to identify factors that influence success with these lenses. Fifty-eight participants wore two different MFCL designs for two weeks: stenfilcon A and delefilcon A. The results showed that participants were more likely to want to continue using stenfilcon A, with greater satisfaction in both vision and comfort, especially for near and intermediate vision. While comfort and vision were correlated for stenfilcon A, vision needs were found to be more critical for continued MFCL wear than comfort. The study suggests that meeting vision needs is the most important factor in ensuring long-term satisfaction with MFCLs. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTO.S462723
- Navascues-Cornago M, Guthrie SE, Morgan PB, Woods J. Determination of the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for Ocular Subjective Responses. Trans Vis Sci Tech. 2024; 13(8):28.
This study aimed to find the minimal clinically important difference for subjective responses to contact lens use and see if these values vary across different study designs. Data from 7 one-week crossover studies and 14 one-day studies were analyzed, where participants rated comfort, dryness, vision, and ease of insertion on a 0-100 scale. The results showed that minimal clinically important difference values were consistent across different responses and study designs, with averages around 7 units for all categories. These values are important for understanding patient feedback and planning clinical studies. https://doi.org/10.1167/tvst.13.8.28
- Wolffsohn JS, Berkow D, Chan KY, et al. BCLA CLEAR Presbyopia: Evaluation and diagnosis. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024; 47(4): 102156.
Measuring the range of clear focus is essential for optimizing presbyopia correction. Subjective techniques, such as patient-reported outcome questionnaires and defocus curves, assess how residual accommodation and natural depth of field impact vision. Objective methods, like autorefraction, corneal topography, and lens imaging, evaluate optical performance and guide adjustments. These tests must consider target size, contrast, and illumination for accuracy. Objective techniques are more reliable and can clarify unexpected subjective results. A clear diagnosis, ruling out factors like binocular vision issues or digital eye strain, is crucial. Contact lenses can be a trial for more permanent solutions like implanted inlays or laser surgery, helping patients make informed choices. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102156
- Wong KY, Liu Y, Phan C-M, Jones L, Wong, M-S, Liu J. Selection of DNA aptamers for sensing drugs treating eye disease: atropine and timolol maleate. Sensors & Diagnostics. 2024; 3(10):1679-1688.
This study aimed to improve how we monitor ocular drugs for better treatment and drug delivery. Traditional methods struggle to detect low drug levels in small amounts of ocular fluid. Using capture-SELEX, aptamers were developed for two common drugs, timolol maleate and atropine. The aptamers, TMJ-1 and AT-1, bind to the drugs with high affinity. Biosensors based on these aptamers were created, with TMJ-1 detecting timolol maleate at 0.3 μM and AT-1 detecting atropine at 1 μM, which is 10 times more sensitive than traditional methods. This research shows that aptamer-based biosensors could enhance ocular drug monitoring and improve treatment outcomes. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SD00223G
- Laughton D, Hill JS, McParland M, et al. Control of myopia using diffusion optics spectacle lenses: 4-year results of a multicentre randomised controlled, efficacy and safety study (CYPRESS): BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2024; 9(1): e001790.
This study assessed the effectiveness of Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses in controlling myopia in children over 4 years. In a 3-year trial, DOT lenses showed significant improvements compared to standard single vision lenses, with reduced axial length and better refraction outcomes. After a fourth year, DOT lenses continued to demonstrate effectiveness, although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted results in years 2 and 3. The findings support DOT lenses as a safe and effective option for slowing myopia progression in children, with additional benefits seen after extended use. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjophth-2024-001790
- Morgan PB, Efron N, Woods CA, Jones D, Jones L, Nichols JJ. International trends in daily disposable contact lens prescribing (2000-2023): An update. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2024; 47(6):102259.
This study tracked global trends in daily disposable contact lens prescriptions from 2000 to 2023. Data from over 265,000 daily wear soft lens fits across 20 countries showed a significant increase in daily disposable lens prescribing, rising from 17.1% in 2000 to 46.7% in 2023. The study also found variations between countries, with a higher percentage of males fitted with daily disposables compared to females. Additionally, daily disposable wearers were slightly younger than those fitted with reusable lenses. This trend reflects the growing availability and range of daily disposable lens designs over time. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2024.102259
About the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) – formerly known as the Centre for Contact Lens Research – was established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. Over the next three decades, the organization evolved from a three-person operation into a thriving hub of basic and applied research, collaborating with sponsors, agencies and academia on advanced biosciences, clinical research and education. Its uncompromising independence and results of the highest quality have been at the heart of many of the most prominent advances in eye health. Today, its approximately 30-person team serves a range of ophthalmic sectors, including medical devices, ocular pharmaceuticals, digital technology and others, with a focus on the anterior segment. For more information, please visit core.uwaterloo.ca.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Lyndon Jones, Director, CORE
lwjones@uwaterloo.ca or +1 519-888-4065