by Joel Harrison
22. February 2011 12:29
Even though the number of people who need vision correction increases with age, according to data gathered by CIBA Vision (the manufacturer of Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and other brands of contact lenses) the number of patients using contact lenses is quite low in older age groups. In the 60+ age group, only 5% of those who need vision correction wear contact lenses, which means a tenfold reduction in comparison with the 25-29 age group.
An article published in the latest edition of Contact Lens Spectrum, written by Clarke D. Newman, OD, FAAO, suggests that some presbyopic patients stop using contact lenses for the same reasons that motivate younger patients: dryness, redness, comfort and convenience. However, this does not explain the difference between the age groups; the reason, according to Newman, is the onset of presbyopia.
The fact that most presbyopic patients had very good vision before the age of 40 makes it harder for them to decide to use contact lenses. However, Newman concludes, after the introduction of many new multifocal contact lenses, it is now very easy to find a satisfactory option for almost all presbyopic patients, so the number of contact lens users should grow fast in this age group.
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