Objective:

To evaluate the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings on the performance and comfort of contact lenses, particularly in relation to dry eye symptoms.

Key Findings:

• PEG improves wettability and decreases protein deposition on contact lenses, as evidenced by multiple studies.
• Tribranched PEG outperforms linear PEG in enhancing lens surface properties, leading to better patient outcomes.
• Patients wearing PEG-coated lenses reported improved comfort and reduced dry eye symptoms compared to uncoated lenses, particularly in those with pre-existing dry eye conditions.
• Initial comfort in novice wearers of rigid lenses showed no significant difference between coated and uncoated lenses, indicating a need for further investigation.

Interpretation:

PEG coatings can enhance the comfort and performance of contact lenses, particularly for patients with dry eye, but may not alleviate initial discomfort for new wearers of rigid lenses, suggesting a tailored approach is necessary.

Limitations:

• Limited studies on the long-term effects of PEG coatings on lens wear, which may affect generalizability.
• Variability in patient experiences and lens types may affect outcomes, highlighting the need for more comprehensive studies.

Conclusion:

PEG coatings present a promising avenue for improving contact lens comfort and performance, warranting further research to optimize their application across different lens materials and patient populations.