Variations in electrophoretic tear protein pattern due to contact lens wear.

Electrophoresis of tear proteins was used to compare the patterns from tear proteins in contact lens wearers with non-contact lens wearers. Thirty-five non-contact lens wearers and 35 wearers volunteered to enter our study. Both groups aged 20-25 years with no history of eye diseases. Stimulated tear samples were collected using a capillary tube. Total tear protein was measured for each group individually using standard assay methods. The results showed slightly higher total tear protein in the group wearing contact lenses. Some new bands also appeared in the electrophoresis patterns of this group as compared to the control group.