Safety and efficacy of lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution in contact lens discomfort

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution in improving contact lens discomfort (CLD) in patients wearing a low-modulus, nonionic, monthly replacement silicone hydrogel contact lenses (SHCLs).

Patients and methods: A single center, prospective, open-label study was undertaken on patients wearing monthly replacement, low modulus silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Best-corrected visual acuity (BVA), lissamine staining (LS) and eight item contact lens dry eye questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) scores were assessed at baseline and after 8-week therapy of twice-a-day lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution use. Pre- and Posttreatment data were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results: Twenty-one subjects (15 female and six male) with the mean age of 31.7 (±5.29) years completed the study. No reduction or statistically significant change in monocular BVA or LS scores was observed. Data showed a statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction in total CLDEQ-8 score, questions 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B scores and nonstatistically significant reduction in questions 3A, 3B, 4 and 5 scores. Fifteen (n=15, 71.4%) study subjects found the therapy positive for their contact lens wear.

Conclusion: Data suggest the use of topical lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution twice a day may be a safe and effective therapeutic intervention for managing patients with CLD in SHCL users; however further research is indicated.

Keywords: contact lens discomfort; contact lens discontinuation; dry eye; lifitegrast.

Figure 1

Baseline and final CLDEQ-8 item score. Notes: Comparison of the eight item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) Baseline (initial) and final item scores after using lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution treatment (data are mean ± SD). A lower score means reduced symptoms. Improvements in items 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b were statistically significant (P<0.05). Abbreviation: CLDEQ-8, eight-item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire.