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AAO promotes CDC Contact Lens Health Week
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The American Academy of Optometry has partnered with the FDA, American Optometric Association, National Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology to promote the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's second annual Contact Lens Health Week, the AAO said in a press release.
The campaign, which will be held Aug. 24 through Aug. 28, is centered around the theme of “Healthy habits mean healthy eyes.”
The CDC has put together a variety of resources, including its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, newsletter announcements, posters and messages for social media to promote a message of healthy contact lens wear and care. The resources focus on three areas, according to the release: contact lens hygiene; how to use, care and store contact lenses and supplies properly; and visiting an eye care provider.
As detailed in the release, the resources are available for free for optometrists to use in their practices and communities.
Primary Care Optometry News previously reported on the contact lens health week as part of its 2015 Optometry's Meeting coverage.
Maya Rao, MPH, a CDC health communications specialist, discussed the campaign at the AOA's House of Delegates meeting.
“There are improper hygiene indicators that put contact lens wearers at risk,” Rao said. “There’s a high level of noncompliance with wear and care recommendations. Conflicting messages are a major issue that CDC would like to address to prevent infections.”
She continued: “Our vision is that this improved compliance will lead to a reduced burden of complications."