BHVI

The tear film’s lipid layer is vital in preventing excess evaporation of the aqueous phase, a major cause of ‘dry eye’.

Phospholipids are thought to act as a surfactant to spread hydrophobic lipids across the surface of the tears. Lipids and proteins can form deposits on the surface of contact lenses which may lead to unwanted side effects ranging from discomfort to frank adverse events such as contact lens-induced papillary conjunctivitis (CLPC).

The exact composition of the lipids in the tear film is not known. This project aims to characterise the lipidome of the tear film, and to identify which lipids deposit onto contact lenses. The Institute is also examining whether particular species of lipids are involved in the production of dry eye or adverse responses during contact lens wear.

Investigators

Project Leader
Dr Zhenjun Zhao

Prof Mark Willcox

Collaborators

This project is a joint investigation and uses the facilities and expertise of Dr Stephen Blanksby and Dr Todd Mitchell from the Schools of Chemistry and Health Sciences, University of Wollongong, Australia.

PhD students
Jennifer Saville
Eric Xiaojia Wei

Facilities

Mass spectrometric analysis of lipids is performed at the School of Chemistry University of Wollongong. The Institute uses its biochemical and clinical facilities for this project.