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Improvements in contact lens technology expand options, safety
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PARIS — Contact lenses were the topic of the 2009 Rapport of the French Society of Ophthalmology.
"This choice was a clear recognition of the advances made by contact lens technology in recent years, in terms of materials and design. Now we can offer a wide range of options, indications have widened and safety has greatly increased," Florence Malet, MD, coordinator of the Rapport, said in an interview with Ocular Surgery News at the annual meeting of the SFO.
More than 100 million people are currently contact lens wearer, and this number is likely to increase with new models specifically designed for children and for presbyopes.
Dr. Malet noted that contact lenses are still the first therapeutic option for keratoconus.
"About three-quarters of the patients are treated with contact lenses, and many of those who undergo surgery also need them to improve visual acuity," she said.
Today's models and materials better adapt to the irregular shape of keratoconus corneas, make practically no pressure on the apex, and are stable and comfortable to wear.
There have not been many changes in terms of complications, and most remain the result of habits of the lens wearers.
"Complications are due to misuse, lack of lens care, not washing hands before fitting, to reusing daily disposable lenses and to keep using the lens when problems start. Patients tend to underestimate the risks of such behaviors and need to be well instructed and constantly reminded of what they should and should not do," Dr. Malet said.
On the other hand, she emphasized that there are no complications related to long-term use of contact lenses. Allergies and intolerance are due to the cumulative effects of preservatives contained in some soft lens solutions, while with the new soft lens materials, the metabolism of the cornea is not affected.
"These new materials allow five times more oxygen to go through the lens. It is a huge change that makes lifelong, prolonged daily use, up to 20 hours, comfortable and safe," she said.