Author: Joel Harrison
Posted: 5 June 2010 19:40
A study conducted among 1,654 American users of contact lenses suggests that a significant number of them do not follow the recommended replacement schedules. The resulting complications include various types of eye infections causing conjunctivitis, keratitis and other severe conditions.
The study revealed that:
- 59% of the wearers of silicone hydrogel lenses that should be replaced every two weeks wore them longer
- 29% of the wearers of one-month silicone hydrogel lenses failed to replace them on time
- 15% of those who wear daily contact lenses used them for longer periods
The two main reasons given for this fact are financial problems (some wearers used them longer than they should to save money) and simple forgetfulness (51% of the participants of the study had problems remembering when to buy new lenses). The latter group could make use of the recently launched lens care timer and effortlessly solve the problem.
The most worrying conclusion of the study was the fact that as much as 18% of contact lens wearers considered cleaning them every day merely “somewhat important” or “not important”, which emphasises the need for educating patients more effectively.
