Proper contact lens use can prevent eye complications

The use of transparent and cosmetic contact lenses (CL) yields comparable rates of ophthalmic adverse events, a recent study has found. Moreover, such complications are preventable through CL use behaviours.

Researchers conducted a web-based, cross-sectional, observational analysis of 3,803 women CL wearers (mean age 28.7±7.7 years) who were given an online survey designed to collect the following information: type of CL in current use (cosmetic, transparent, or hard CL), replacement schedule, total and daily wear time, and CL-related eye problems.

CL use behaviours were also assessed, including sleeping while wearing CLs, adhering to replacement timelines, exchanging CLs among friends, and stacking CLs during wearing.

Of the participants, 1,970 were currently using transparent CLs, while 1,833 were on cosmetic CLs. The former group used their CLs for a significantly longer time overall (p=0.0062) and on a daily basis (p=0.0000).

CL-related eye problems in the previous year occurred in 34.5 percent of the participants, and the incidence rate did not differ between the cosmetic and transparent CL subgroups (35.7 percent vs 33.4 percent, respectively; p>0.05).

Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the null association between lens type and adverse events (cosmetic vs transparent CL: adjusted odds ratio, 0.95, 95 percent confidence interval, 0.81–1.11; p=0.496). On the other hand, poor use behaviours, such as noncompliance to hygiene procedures and replacement timelines, as well as sleeping with CLs on, increase the risk of related eye complications.

“Eye professionals should prescribe CLs as they can examine the ocular surface, choose properly fitting CLs, and advise about regular eye examination and lens management. A stronger relationship between ophthalmologists and CL users could improve lens management and eye health,” the researchers said.