Immunocytochemistry of cytokines in hydrophilic soft contact lenses

Purpose. Previous studies have reported the adhesion of proteins, mucin, calcium and preservatives on the surface of soft contact lenses. Since the cytokine deposition in soft contact lenses remains unclear, the present study was aimed to detect cytokines in soft contact lens material by immunocytochemistry. Methods. Non-ionic and ionic soft contact lenses were immersed in 20 pg/ml of r-h1L-8 or r-hRANTES. Following pretreatment, the lenses were fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde for 10 min at 4 C and frozen in OCT compound. Sections were stained by immunocytochemistry with mouse monoclonal anti IL-8 or anti-RANTES. Results. Both IL-8 and RANTES were demontrated on the surface of both types of soft contact lenses, while cytokines were also demontrated within ionic soft contact lenses. Conclusion. Cytokine deposits were demonstrated on the surface and inside soft contact lenses, which may contribute to contact lens-induced damage of the ocular surface.