Serramito Blanco, MaríaPereira da Mota, Ana FilipaCarpena Torres, CarlosHuete Toral, FernandoÁlvarez Lorenzo, Carmen IsabelCarracedo Rodríguez, Juan Gonzalo2023-06-222023-06-222022-051999-492310.3390/pharmaceutics14051019https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/73336This study was published in memory of Jesus Pintor, who passed away on 2 April 2019Background: The purpose of this study was to synthesize melatonin-eluting contact lenses (CLs) and evaluate both the ocular kinetics of the released melatonin and its effect on tear volume and intraocular pressure. Methods: In vitro, melatonin-eluting CLs were synthesized by using non-functionalized (HEMA) and functionalized (HEMA/APMA) monomers. In vivo, a short-term prospective and randomized study was performed on 15 rabbits divided into two groups: 12 rabbits wearing functionalized CLs and 3 rabbits without CLs as a control. The melatonin levels in tears, aqueous humor, vitreous body and retina, tear volume, and intraocular pressure were measured for 8 h. Results: In vitro, both monomers did not show differences in terms of melatonin loading and release (p ≥ 0.05). In vivo, the melatonin concentration was elevated in tears and aqueous humor after 2 and 4 h of wearing CLs, respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CLs increased tear volume for 2 h (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The melatonin-eluting CLs released their content over the ocular surface for at least 2 h, which was associated with a secretagogue effect on tear volume. However, the increased amount of melatonin found in the aqueous humor had no effect on intraocular pressure.engAtribución 3.0 Españajournal articlehttps://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14051019https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/14/5/1019open access617.7‑089.243615.357617.764melatonincontact lensesdrug deliverydry eyeglaucomaBioquímica (Medicina)OftalmologíaLentes de contacto3201.09 Oftalmología3311.11 Instrumentos ópticos