What does "Dk/t" represent in terms of contact lenses?

The term "Dk/t" is crucial in the context of contact lenses, specifically when discussing their ability to allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea.

"Dk" refers to the oxygen permeability of the contact lens material, which indicates how effectively oxygen can diffuse through the lens. This value is determined by both the material itself and its thickness. The "t" represents the thickness of the lens.

When you combine these two aspects (oxygen permeability and lens thickness), "Dk/t" quantifies the transmissibility of oxygen to the cornea through the lens, which is critical for maintaining corneal health and overall eye comfort. A higher Dk/t value indicates that more oxygen can reach the eye, making the lens more suitable for extended wear.

Thus, the concept of "Dk/t" is fundamentally about assessing how well a contact lens transmits oxygen, reinforcing why transmissibility is the correct interpretation of this term in ocular physiology and contact lens wear.