by Joel Harrison
24. September 2010 13:13
The first daily contact lenses, 1-Day Acuvue (Vistakon), were introduced in 1995 and were quickly followed by other brands. It was possible due to the technological advances that made daily replaced lenses affordable without compromising their quality.
Because of the undeniable convenience and comfort they offer, daily contact lenses have reached a great popularity in many countries. Today they account for up to 70% of all contact lens fits.
Moreover, numerous studies point to their health benefits. In fact, some researchers suggest that hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses are almost as safe as eyeglasses. After one month, the only statistically significant physiological difference found between contact lens and eyeglasses wearers was conjunctival staining. However, according to several large studies, the one-day modality does not affect the absolute risk of infection; it only makes the infections less severe.
According to Colleen M. Riley, OD, MS, FAAO, contact lens manufacturers will continue to extend the group of people who can wear daily contact lenses, at the same time improving their parameters and, perhaps, introducing lenses that help to treat diseases such as glaucoma.
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