Background:Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the most abundant antibody class in the bloodstream and is characterized by a long half-life compared to other immunoglobulins. While IgG plays a key role in host defense against infections, it is also known to be elevated in chronic inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to evaluate serum levels of fungus-specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG antibodies in patients with allergic conjunctivitis and to investigate their associations with disease severity and sensitization status. Methods:A total of 40 patients with allergic conjunctivitis and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of specific IgE and IgG antibodies against four common fungi-Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium-were measured. These values were compared with skin prick test (SPT) results and clinical severity scores for allergic conjunctivitis (0-30 scale). Results:Patients with allergic conjunctivitis exhibited significantly higher positivity rates and serum titers of both IgE and IgG against all four fungal antigens compared to controls (p < 0.05). Notably, IgG titers were significantly higher than IgE titers across all fungal antigens (p < 0.05). IgG levels demonstrated stronger correlations with SPT positivity (correlation coefficients r = 0.95-0.97 vs. r = 0.60-0.89 for IgE) and allergic conjunctivitis severity scores (r = 0.35-0.60 vs. r = 0.23-0.43 for IgE, p < 0.001). Conclusions:Serum fungus-specific IgG antibodies may serve as useful biomarkers reflecting the severity of allergic conjunctivitis. Given that mucosal barrier dysfunction has been implicated in allergic inflammation, the findings suggest that hypersensitivity reactions to fungal elements due to impaired barrier function may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, and both environmental and lifestyle factors have been implicated in its development; however, international-scale evidence regarding the impact of air pollution remains limited. We conducted a cross-sectional ecological study to evaluate national-level associations between AMD burden and environmental as well as lifestyle factors using data from the Global Burden of Disease study. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized DALYs, and age-standardized prevalence of AMD from 1990 to 2020 were analyzed in relation to ambient air pollutants, including particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5), PM ≤ 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, household air pollution from solid fuel use, and national smoking prevalence obtained from global databases. Between 1990 and 2020, global DALYs attributable to AMD increased by 26.7

Background: Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) represents a segmental retinal ischemic disorder characterized by localized oxidative-inflammatory activation. While redox-driven cytokine responses have been described in central retinal vein occlusion, their role in BRVO-specific macular edema and treatment responsiveness remains unclear. This study investigated whether novel redox-related inflammatory mediators in the aqueous humor are associated with disease severity and structural response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy in BRVO. Methods: Aqueous humor samples were collected from 30 treatment-naïve patients with BRVO and 19 control patients. Levels of VEGF and the novel redox-related inflammatory factors FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L), fractalkine, CXCL-16, and endocan-1 were measured by suspension array, and the severity of macular edema was evaluated by measuring central macular thickness and neurosensory retinal thickness (TNeuro) by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Therapeutic response was assessed one month after intravitreal ranibizumab injection (IRI). Results: Aqueous levels of VEGF, Flt-3L, and endocan-1 were significantly higher in the BRVO group, and levels of Flt-3L, CXCL-16, and endocan-1-markers associated with oxidative endothelial damage and leukocyte recruitment-correlated significantly with each other and with aqueous flare values. Notably, baseline Flt-3L levels significantly correlated with the reduction in TNeuro, suggesting that this redox-sensitive signaling molecule is a potential biomarker for treatment sensitivity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that novel inflammatory factors, potentially driven by oxidative-nitrosative stress, play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of BRVO. Baseline Flt-3L may serve as a predictive biomarker for structural responsiveness to anti-VEGF therapy in BRVO, suggesting that oxidative-inflammatory signaling contributes not only to disease severity but also to therapeutic heterogeneity.

INTRODUCTION:Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a major cause of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the current standard treatment, many patients show incomplete responses, indicating the contribution of VEGF-independent mechanisms. Increasing evidence identifies interleukin-6 (IL-6) as a key mediator of inflammation, blood-retinal barrier disruption, and retinal vascular dysfunction in DME. AREAS COVERED:This review summarizes the biological functions and signaling pathways of IL-6 in DME and examines the clinical relevance of elevated intraocular IL-6 levels. We discuss the crosstalk between IL-6 and VEGF, review current evidence for IL-6-targeting agents, including tocilizumab and sarilumab, and evaluate their therapeutic potential, particularly in treatment-resistant DME. EXPERT OPINION:IL-6 acts as a central hub cytokine linking chronic inflammation, vascular permeability, and retinal microvascular injury. By modulating both VEGF-dependent and VEGF-independent pathways, IL-6 inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for refractory DME. Although direct clinical evidence remains limited, advances in biomarker-guided patient selection, local drug delivery systems, and combination approaches with anti-VEGF therapy may facilitate the development of precision medicine for DME.

Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is the second most common retinal vascular disorder after diabetic retinopathy and represents a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. In addition to venous congestion, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation, accumulating evidence indicates that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of RVO. The excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during ischemia-reperfusion injury induces endothelial damage, disruption of the blood-retinal barrier, and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), thereby contributing to macular edema and progressive visual dysfunction. This review summarizes current knowledge from both experimental and clinical studies regarding the mechanisms of oxidative stress generation in RVO and its underlying molecular pathways, highlighting the pathological consequences of impaired antioxidant defense systems. We further review reported alterations in oxidative stress markers and antioxidant factors in serum, aqueous humor, and vitreous fluid, and discuss their potential associations with disease activity and visual prognosis. In addition, the interplay between oxidative stress and current standard treatments, including anti-VEGF therapy and corticosteroids, is discussed, together with the translational potential of antioxidant strategies such as polyphenols, vitamins, and Nrf2 pathway activators. At the same time, we address critical challenges limiting clinical application, including insufficient interventional evidence, the lack of validated biomarkers, and uncertainties regarding optimal timing of antioxidant intervention. By providing a comprehensive overview of oxidative stress in RVO, this review aims to identify emerging therapeutic targets and opportunities for personalized treatment approaches, and to outline future research directions toward improving long-term visual outcomes in patients with RVO.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in aging populations, and intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are the mainstay of its treatment. Recently, environmental air pollution has been proposed as a potential risk factor for ocular diseases. However, few nationwide studies have examined the association between demand for anti-VEGF therapy and environmental factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment volume and air pollution indicators across all prefectures in Japan using a nationwide database. Using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB), we extracted data for the fiscal year 2020 on the number of intravitreal brolucizumab injections administered to AMD patients, as well as the total number of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections (including brolucizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept) for macular diseases across 48 prefectures. Brolucizumab was approved only for AMD during this year, allowing us to use its usage as a proxy for AMD cases. Environmental data, including average annual concentrations of PM2.5 (μg/m3), sulfur oxides (SOX), nitrogen oxides (NOX), and particulate matter dust (PMD; m3N/h), were obtained from the Ministry of the Environment. We then analyzed the correlation between anti-VEGF injection volumes per 10,000 persons aged 60 and older and air pollution indicators for each prefecture. A strong positive correlation was observed between the number of brolucizumab injections (AMD-specific indicator) and total anti-VEGF injections (non-specific indicator) (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). Both were significantly correlated with PM2.5 concentrations (brolucizumab: r = 0.25, p = 0.045; total anti-VEGF: r = 0.37, p = 0.005). In contrast, no significant correlations were found with SOX (brolucizumab: r = -0.28, p = 0.969; total anti-VEGF: r = -0.13, p = 0.802), NOX (r = -0.06, p = 0.656; r = 0.11, p = 0.224), or PMD (r = 0.03, p = 0.430; r = 0.14, p = 0.180). Moreover, PM2.5 showed no meaningful correlations with SOX, NOX, or PMD. This nationwide analysis revealed a significant association between regional PM2.5 levels and the use of anti-VEGF intravitreal injections for macular diseases. No such relationship was observed for SOX, NOX, or PMD. These findings suggest that PM2.5 may contribute to the regional demand for AMD treatment, highlighting the need for further investigation into the impact of air pollution on ocular health.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss globally and represents one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. In addition to metabolic disturbances associated with hyperglycemia, oxidative stress has emerged as a critical contributor to the onset and progression of DR. Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defense mechanisms, leads to cellular injury, inflammation, and increased vascular permeability. In the diabetic retina, excessive ROS production promotes endothelial cell apoptosis, breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), and induction of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology of DR, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress. Relevant studies were identified through a structured search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus (2000–2025) using terms such as ‘diabetic retinopathy’, ‘oxidative stress’, and ‘antioxidants’. We explore current knowledge on oxidative stress-related biomarkers and therapeutic strategies targeting oxidative damage, including antioxidant compounds and mitochondrial protective agents. Recent findings from both experimental and clinical studies are summarized, highlighting the translational potential of oxidative stress modulation in DR management. Finally, future research directions are discussed, including biomarker standardization, personalized medicine approaches, and long-term clinical validation of antioxidant-based therapies. A deeper understanding of oxidative stress may offer valuable insights into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for DR.

Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), commonly emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial activities, are prevalent air pollutants in urban environments. These compounds have been reported to cause various health effects through mechanisms such as oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Recently, air pollution has attracted attention as a potential risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, the association between VOC exposure and AMD remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to assess VOC exposure levels among urban-dwelling AMD patients by quantifying urinary metabolites and investigating the association between VOCs and AMD. Methods This cross-sectional study included 40 untreated AMD patients (AMD group), 10 cataract patients (Cataract group), and 10 healthy controls (Healthy group). Representative urinary metabolites of VOCs—2-methylhippuric acid, 3-methylhippuric acid, mandelic acid, phenylglyoxylic acid, and trans,trans-muconic acid—were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), with concentrations corrected for urinary creatinine. Group comparisons were performed based on creatinine-adjusted metabolite levels. Results The AMD group exhibited elevated urinary VOC metabolite levels compared to both control groups. The ratios of mean concentrations in the AMD group versus the Healthy and Cataract groups, respectively, were: 2-methylhippuric acid (201% and 181%), 3-methylhippuric acid (190% and 139%), mandelic acid (304% and 198%), phenylglyoxylic acid (118% and 90%), and trans,trans-muconic acid (214% and 92%). Among these, 2-methylhippuric acid and mandelic acid were significantly higher in the AMD group than in both controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.042; p < 0.001, respectively). Trans,trans-muconic acid also showed a significant increase compared to the Healthy group (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis within the AMD group revealed moderate but significant associations for 2-methylhippuric acid (r = 0.29, p = 0.011), mandelic acid (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and trans,trans-muconic acid (r = 0.27, p = 0.020). Multivariate logistic regression identified mandelic acid as an independent factor significantly associated with AMD (odds ratio = 17.20, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis categorized the AMD group into drusenoid AMD, typical AMD (t-AMD), polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). No significant differences in urinary VOC metabolite levels were observed among the four subtypes after multiple comparison adjustment. Conclusions These findings indicate that AMD patients are exposed to higher levels of traffic-related VOCs. While mandelic acid—a styrene metabolite—was independently associated with AMD, its role should be interpreted as a potential exposure marker rather than a definitive disease biomarker. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causal relationships between VOC exposure and AMD development.

This study aimed to compare the adhesion of Asian dust to four types of reusable silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses (SiHySCLs), including lehfilcon A, which was recently introduced in the market. Four types of SiHySCLs available in Japan (senofilcon A, samfilcon A, comfilcon A, lehfilcon A) were used (10 lenses per group). A 0.2 mL drop of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.01 mg/mL of Asian dust was randomly applied on the surface of the soft contact lens (SCL) using the Latin squares method. This was followed by 1 min of gentle agitation and 1 min of vibrational stirring after 1 h of static incubation. The lens was subsequently washed three times with PBS. The area of the Asian dust that had adhered after washing was quantified. The proportion of residual particles adhering to the SiHySCL surface was as follows: senofilcon A (6.6 ± 1.3

Background: Airborne particles from pollutants aggravate ocular and nasal symptoms. Objective: We sought to investigate the effectiveness of eyewashing in removing airborne particles from the eyes and improving ocular and nasal symptoms in Jakarta. Methods: Healthy volunteers were divided into car (n = 15) and motorcycle (n = 15) commuters. Both eyes were washed twice with commercial eyewash, then the number of particles in the washing solution was calculated using a microscope connected to a smartphone. Ocular and nasal symptoms before and after the first eyewash were scored using a modified Japanese Allergic Conjunctival Disease Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Results: The number of particles obtained by eyewashing was significantly higher following the first wash than that following the second wash (36.2 ± 23.2 vs 11.5 ± 10.1, P < .001). However, the number of particles did not significantly differ between motorcycle and car commuters for both the first (36.1 ± 23.5 vs 36.3 ± 22.9) and the second washes (13.1 ± 12.4 vs 9.9 ± 6.5). Eyewashing significantly improved total ocular (3.2 ± 3.6 vs 0.9 ± 1.3, P = .003) and nasal (1.2 ± 1.8 vs 0.3 ± 0.7, P = .017) symptom scores. Conclusions: Both motorcycle and car commuters have many particles in their eyes. Eyewashing removes particles from the eye and improves subjective symptoms. Therefore, eyewashing may be effective in improving ocular symptoms in countries with severe air pollution.

Asian sand dust (ASD), a type of fine particulate matter originating from arid regions of East Asia, is known to exacerbate respiratory diseases, but its impact on the ocular surface remains poorly understood. Given the increasing prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in Japan, particularly during the Japanese cedar pollen (JCP) season, we investigated whether ASD exposure aggravates ocular allergic inflammation. Using a mouse model sensitized with JCP, we found that conjunctival instillation of ASD in combination with JCP significantly increased clinical signs such as hyperemia and edema, along with elevated serum IgE levels and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration compared to JCP alone. Histological analysis revealed epithelial disruption and increased infiltration of CD3-positive T cells and F4/80-positive macrophages in the ASD/JCP group. These findings demonstrate that ASD exacerbates allergic conjunctivitis by amplifying inflammatory responses on the ocular surface. Our study highlights ASD as a potential environmental risk factor for allergic eye diseases and offers novel mechanistic insights into how airborne pollutants interact with allergen-induced ocular inflammation.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible visual impairment in the elderly, and oxidative stress, primarily mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), is widely recognized as a central driver of its onset and progression. The retina is highly susceptible to oxidative damage due to its elevated oxygen consumption, abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids, and continuous exposure to light. Recent studies have elucidated molecular mechanisms in which mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of redox homeostasis, inflammation, and complement activation interact to promote degeneration of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor cells. In addition to age-related oxidative stress, environmental factors such as motor vehicle exhaust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can accelerate the accumulation of lipofuscin and drusen, thereby fostering a chronic pro-inflammatory milieu. From a therapeutic perspective, beyond conventional antioxidant supplementation, emerging strategies targeting oxidative stress-related pathways have gained attention, including mitochondrial protectants, activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, anti-inflammatory agents, and gene therapy. Importantly, several innovative approaches are under investigation, such as saffron supplementation with neuroprotective properties, drug repositioning of levodopa, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems to enhance retinal bioavailability of antioxidants and gene therapies. This review summarizes the pathophysiological role of oxidative stress in AMD from a molecular mechanistic perspective and discusses recent advances in research and novel therapeutic targets.

Purpose:Large amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained in printing inks and paint materials. The inhalation of VOCs causes a variety of adverse health effects, and we report our findings in a rare case of bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) that was exacerbated after painting work. Observations:A 60-year-old male house painter with bilateral RVO developed a persistent CME. He was treated with triamcinolone acetonide and anti-VEGF intravitreal injections, and later with vitrectomy combined with cataract surgery in both eyes due to a persistent bilateral CME. The CME was partially resolved but the CME recurred immediately after beginning his painting work. Urinary metabolites of paint-related VOCs such as 3-methylhippurate, mandelate, and phenylglyoxylate were very high, with an increase of 2700-7000 % compared with normal values. After resigning from the paint job, the patient's CME improved in both eyes. Conclusions and importance:A CME might be exacerbated by the exposure to paint-related VOCs. Our findings suggest that reducing and avoiding the occupational exposure to VOCs and regular measurements of urinary VOC concentration are important for those who work in the printing and painting industries.

Corneal foreign bodies (CFBs) are typically caused by the penetration of external materials such as metallic particles, concrete fragments, or plant matter into the corneal tissue and are usually accompanied by intense pain or a foreign-body sensation. We report an extremely rare case of an intrastromal CFB composed of synthetic fiber, which was discovered incidentally in an asymptomatic patient and confirmed histopathologically. A 54-year-old woman presented with bilateral visual impairment due to cataract. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral cataracts and a curved, white, linear foreign body approximately 1 mm in length embedded within the corneal stroma of the right eye. The patient had no history of ocular trauma or surgery. Review of anterior segment photographs taken five years earlier for dry eye evaluation demonstrated an identical finding in the same location, indicating that the lesion had been present for years without symptoms. The foreign body was removed under slit-lamp visualization using a 27-gauge needle and forceps. The extracted material was a slender filament lacking cellular components, consistent with a non-biological synthetic fiber. Following removal, the corneal opacity improved. A review of the literature identified reports of conjunctival granulomas or chronic inflammatory reactions caused by synthetic or cotton fibers, as well as intraocular penetration of fibers following ocular surgery or trauma; however, all previously reported cases were symptomatic. Synthetic fibers, commonly present in clothing and indoor environments, can adhere to the ocular surface and, in rare instances, penetrate into the corneal stroma even in the absence of trauma or symptoms. This case highlights a previously unrecognized route of fiber intrusion and suggests that synthetic fibers should be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic corneal opacities.

Purpose: The dryness and discomfort associated with soft contact lenses (SCLs) prevent their continued use. Recently, verofilcon A, a new daily disposable silicone hydrogel material SCL, was introduced, which has a high water content (surface water content of 80% or more) that overcomes the low water content drawback of silicone hydrogels. In this study, we evaluated the non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and comfort level in individuals wearing verofilcon A SCL for the first time. Methods: We enrolled 42 first-time SCL wearers, comprising 84 eyes. NIBUT was measured using the DR-1 alpha (R) dry eye observation device at the state of the naked eye before SCL wear (baseline) and at one and four weeks after the first SCL wear. Additionally, we conducted a questionnaire survey during the fourth week to assess the comfort level (0-10) of SCL wear. Results: The NIBUT values were significantly higher at one week (10.8 +/- 2.2 s, p<0.01) and four weeks (11.4 +/- 2.2 s, p<0.01) after the first SCL wear than those at baseline (5.9 +/- 2.0 s). Comfort level in SCL use was significantly higher at one week (9.0 +/- 1.1, p<0.01) and four weeks (8.7 +/- 1.2, p<0.01) than that at baseline (7.8 +/- 1.8), and this level was higher regardless of the baseline NIBUT value. Conclusion: Prolonged BUT and increased comfort levels were observed in individuals wearing verofilcon A SCLs. Improvement in tear fluid retention was found to alleviate dry eye and discomfort, suggesting that verofilcon A may be a beneficial introductory lens for first-time SCL wearers.

Aim To evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment course, and prognosis of patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN), which can rapidly progress and cause severe vision loss. Design Single-center retrospective case series. Subjects and methods Six patients and seven eyes diagnosed with ARN at Teikyo University Hospital were included in this study. The clinical presentation and treatment prognosis were investigated based on data obtained from medical records. Results The mean age of the patients at the initial diagnosis was 63.6 years. Although the mean Logarithm of the Minimum Angle of Resolution (LogMAR) visual acuity tended to decrease from 0.77 at the first visit to 1.29 at the last visit, the difference was not statistically significant. Intraocular manifestations observed during the study period included ocular hypertension (14.3%), anterior uveitis (100.0%), retinal hemorrhage (71.4%), vitreous opacity (100.0%), retinal exudative vasculitis (85.7%), optic nerve atrophy (85.7%), retinal vascular occlusion (85.7%), choroidal atrophy (85.7%), macular edema (100.0%), subretinal fluid in the macula (71.4%), and retinal detachment (85.7%). Treatment modalities included oral and intravitreal antivirals (85.7%), antiplatelet medications (85.7%), steroid eye drops (85.7%), subcapsular (57.1%) and vitreous (42.9%) steroid injections, oral steroids (71.4%), and surgical intervention (85.7%). Vitrectomy led to retinal recovery in all five eyes that underwent the procedure. Conclusions The visual prognosis of patients with ARN is poor, particularly in those with preexisting visual impairment. Early detection coupled with antiviral therapy and prompt surgical intervention have been identified as potential factors that influence visual outcomes. Given the severity of ARN, collecting data from multiple centers could aid in devising future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The surface wettability of soft contact lenses (SCLs) affects the wearing comfort. Verofilcon A is a daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lens with SMARTSURFACE® technology, ensuring high surface wettability. To evaluate tear stability on the surface of verofilcon A and narafilcon A SCLs and correlate these findings with clinical parameters and patients' discomfort. Sixty-two SCL wearers (124 eyes) with SCL discomfort were randomly assigned to use narafilcon A (control SCL) and verofilcon A for 2 weeks each by crossover. The noninvasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) of the naked eye at baseline and pre-lens NIBUT (PL-NIBUT) of the SCL surface after 2 weeks of using each SCL were measured using the DR-1α® dry eye observation device. Corneal superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) (0–3) and conjunctival hyperemia (0–3), and comfort level of SCL wear (1–10) were also evaluated. NIBUT and PL-NIBUT values were 4.6 ± 2.3 s for the naked eye, 6.6 ± 6.6 s for narafilcon A, and 11.3 ± 3.5 s for verofilcon A. verofilcon A had significantly higher PL-NIBUT than the naked eye and narafilcon A (p < 0.05). SPK (0.16 ± 0.48 vs. 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.01) and conjunctival hyperemia (1.15 ± 0.82 vs. 0.49 ± 0.50, p < 0.01) scores were lower when wearing verofilcon A than narafilcon A. The ocular comfort score of wearing SCLs was higher with verofilcon A than with narafilcon A (8.7 ± 1.8 vs. 9.8 ± 0.5, p < 0.01). The ocular comfort score for wearing verofilcon A was higher, regardless of the baseline NIBUT. The results of this study showed a consistent surface-wetting advantage of verofilcon A in patients with ocular discomfort. verofilcon A was used comfortably in patients with low NIBUT scores at baseline. The findings suggest that verofilcon A is recommended for SCL wearers experiencing SCL-related dry eye symptoms and discomfort.

Purpose: Verofilcon A, a new daily disposable silicone hydrogel soft contact lens (SCL), is expected to be more comfortable to wear due to its smooth surface. This study aims to compare the comfort level of verofilcon A with eyeglasses in first-time SCL wearers. Methods: A total of 58 new SCL wearers participated in this study. Participants' comfort scores while wearing glasses or verofilcon A were examined at baseline (glasses) and one and four weeks after starting to wear the SCLs. Results: At the end of the one-month study period, no participants had abandoned wearing the SCLs due to discomfort. The vision scores (1-10) for glasses (baseline) and SCLs (week one, week four) were better with SCLs than glasses in the morning (7.9 +/- 1.9 vs 8.9 +/- 1.3, 9.0 +/- 1.2, p<0.01), during the day (8.0 +/- 1.6 vs 9.0 +/- 1.1, 8.9 +/- 1.2, p<0.01), at the end of the day (7.2 +/- 2.1 vs 8.5 +/- 1.5, 8.7 +/- 1.4, p<0.01), and the entire day (7.7 +/- 1.7 vs 8.9 +/- 1.2, 8.7 +/- 1.3, p<0.01). The percentages of participants who agreed that wearing SCLs at week four was as good as or better than glasses in terms of overall vision, peripheral vision, vision at the end of the day, comfort during the day, comfort at the end of the day, less fatigue during the day, and less fatigue at the end of the day were 91.4%, 100.0%, 91.4%, 89.7%, 82.8%, 87.9%, and 89.7%, respectively. Of the participants, 93.1%, 100.0%, and 93.1% felt that the SCLs were easy to wear, more comfortable than expected, and would like to purchase the same lenses in the future, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that verofilcon A is more comfortable than glasses and is effective as an introductory lens for first-time SCL wearers.