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Study: disparity found in contact lens patient attitudes, compliance

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LAS VEGAS — Although most contact lens patients place a high premium on their visual health, compliance behaviors fail to reflect this attitude, according to a study presented here. Rick Weisbarth, OD, noted several inconsistencies in patient attitudes and compliance behavior.

“To say we have a problem with compliance would be a gross understatement,” said Dr. Weisbarth, vice president, professional services, North America, for CIBA Vision, during a company-sponsored press event. CIBA Vision officials surveyed about 3,000 people in three separate groups, of which 241 respondents said they wore soft contact lenses.

Almost all the soft contact lens wearers said they considered eye health to be an important part of their overall wellness. Preventing loss of vision was the top priority, Dr. Weisbarth said.

Previously published data on 2,625 soft contact lens wearers showed 66% admitted they napped in their lenses “occasionally,” and another 18% said they “sometimes” slept in their lenses, Dr. Weisbarth said. Of those who slept in their lenses, 28% said they slept overnight in non-silicone hydrogel lenses for more than 7 days. About 20% reported feeling guilty about their behavior.

In the study presented at the press event, 33% of those who wore soft contact lenses said they followed the manufacturer’s replacement schedules. They survey found 17% of disposable lens wearers reported they replaced their lenses every 1 to 2 weeks, but 66% of those respondents said they wear lenses that should be replaced every 2 weeks.

Dr. Weisbarth added 42% of the respondents said they changed their contact lens cases every 1 to 3 months; 38% admitted to cleaning their lenses with tap water; and 30% said they stored their lenses overnight in saline or eye drop solutions. Another 13% said they rinsed their lenses in their mouths, and 23% said they rinsed their lenses with water.

“We are very fortunate that the eye has such a strong defense mechanism in place,” Dr. Weisbarth said.

Dr. Weisbarth presented his findings at the American Optometric Association meeting.