In-Vitro Dewetting Dynamics on Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses

The tear film on our eyes provides a smooth optical interface as well as protects the eyes against environmental challenges. Of particular interest in this presentation is the meibomian lipid layer, secreted by glands lining our eyelids, that has been shown to possess remarkable interfacial viscoelastic properties. By using a newly developed instrument called the Interfacial Dewetting and Drainage Optical Platform(i-DDrOP) developed in the Fuller laboratory at Stanford University, we investigate the in-vitro dewetting dynamics of thin aqueous films laden with meibomian lipid layer on silicone hydrogel contact lenses at physiological conditions. Our in-vitro measurements show dewetting times that are comparable to the in-vivo tear break up times. This highlights the utility of the i-DDrOP as a tool to study biomimetic tear film solutions and their interactions with contact lens surfaces.