Protein deposits on lens surface

Protein deposits on the lens surface refer to the accumulation of various tear-film proteins, primarily lysozyme, lactoferrin, albumin, and lipocalin, onto the surface of contact or intraocular lenses (Luensmann & Jones, 2012). This phenomenon occurs through a process of adsorption, where proteins adhere to the lens material, often undergoing conformational changes or denaturation that can trigger inflammatory responses (Omali et al., 2015). In contact lens wearers, these deposits are a leading cause of discomfort, reduced visual acuity, and conditions such as giant papillary conjunctivitis (Zhao et al., 2008). For intraocular lenses, protein and cellular deposition can lead to posterior capsular opacification, a common complication following cataract surgery (Apple et al., 1992). Therapeutic interventions focus on the removal of these deposits using enzymatic cleaners like papain or subtilisin, which hydrolyze the proteins, or the use of surfactants and surface coatings to prevent initial adsorption (Luensmann & Jones, 2012). While not a single molecular target, these deposits represent a significant challenge in ophthalmic biomaterial design and patient care.

Other names

Lens spoilageContact lens biofoulingProtein filmLens opacificationIncrustations

Enzymatic proteolysis of adsorbed proteins and surfactant-mediated removal of deposits from the lens surface (Luensmann & Jones, 2012).