What is likely to happen if the water content of a soft hydrogel contact lens is increased?

Increasing the water content of a soft hydrogel contact lens generally leads to a greater ability of the lens to absorb moisture, but this can paradoxically result in increased dry eye symptoms for patients. Higher water content lenses can become too hydrophilic, drawing moisture away from the ocular surface, which may result in decreased tear film stability. If the lens is absorbing more water, this can lead to a depletion of the natural moisture around the eye, potentially exacerbating dry eye symptoms rather than alleviating them.

The other choices do not accurately represent the common physiological responses associated with increased water content in hydrogel lenses. For instance, increasing water content typically enhances oxygen permeability, not decreases it. Additionally, increased water content does not directly correlate with enhanced durability, and the tendency for lens deposits to decrease is not guaranteed since more water may attract more proteins and lipids, leading to higher incidence of deposits. Therefore, the primary outcome related to increased patient discomfort from these lenses tends to be more significant dry eye symptoms.