| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/N510075/1 |
| Title: |
Application of Nanostructured Smart Surfaces to Ophthalimic Medical Devices |
| Principal Investigator: |
Wolffsohn, Professor JS |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Life and Health Sciences |
| Organisation: |
Aston University |
| Scheme: |
Technology Programme |
| Starts: |
01 January 2016 |
Ends: |
31 December 2018 |
Value (£): |
249,891
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Biomaterials |
Surfaces & Interfaces |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
Contact Lens Discomfort (CLD) is the primary factor limiting annual increases in the number of contact lens (CL) wearers.
A stagnant level of 3.7M UK patients annually sees 30% of people discontinue lens wear with over 50% citing CLD, a trend
repeated globally. Advances in lens design and Oxygen permeability have not significantly improved CLD so the lens
surface is now considered the major factor in patient perception of comfort. Surface factors that can enhance comfort are
the reduction of both (i) the friction between the CL and ocular surfaces & (ii) levels of lipid & protein deposits. This project
will exploit a novel bio-inspired nanoscale surface engineered approach to create PEG (polyethylene glycol) surfaces with
self cleaning properties (Smart) to provide enhanced CL comfort eliminating the causal factors (i) and (ii) outlined above
The technology will be combined with existing materials and a new and innovative high efficiency CL manufacturing
method with substantial environmental benefits. CL wear provides a uniquely accessible site for demonstration of wider
biocompatibility behaviour with the findings allowing this technology to be exploited in other medical devices including
intraocular lenses (IOLs).
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.aston.ac.uk |