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Survey: Most ODs choose silicone hydrogel over hydrogel 1-day lenses
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DENVER – The majority of optometrists would prescribe daily disposable silicone hydrogel contact lenses to most of their patients, according to a recent survey presented at Optometry’s Meeting.
Researchers sought to gain a better understanding of perceptions of the benefits of daily disposable lenses from the eye care professional community.
U.S. industry data show that silicone hydrogel lenses comprise about 31% of all daily disposable fits, Gary Orsborn, OD, told Primary Care Optometry News.
Orsborn and colleagues conducted a survey of 100 U.S. optometrists through an independent market research service using statements related to silicone hydrogel daily disposables. The change in growth of 1-day silicone hydrogel lens fittings is 12% over the past year, while the proportion of 1-day hydrogel fits has declined, Orsborn said.
Optometrists rated the highest levels of agreement to perceptions within the patient experiences and health categories.
The statement, “If I were to create the perfect 1-day lens, this lens would be in silicone hydrogel material,” garnered 92% approval from the 100 optometrists.
“The three statements receiving the highest ratings were: ‘Silicone hydrogel 1-day lenses satisfy today’s patients’ demanding lifestyles’ (97% agreement); ‘Silicone hydrogel 1-day lenses provide the best benefits to my patients’ (96%); and ‘If cost was equivalent, I would choose silicone hydrogel over hydrogel for my 1-day patients’ (96%),” Orsborn said.
The researchers said in the poster: “This supports the premise that while ODs may consider silicone hydrogel 1-day contact lenses as the current standard of care, a main barrier continues to be the perceived higher cost of these lenses.”
“Results from the survey presented in the poster show that U.S. optometrists share strong, positive beliefs about the benefits of 1-day silicone hydrogel lenses,” Orsborn said. – by Abigail Sutton
Reference:
Orsborn G, Andrews M. U.S optometrists’ perceptions about 1-day silicone hydrogel lenses. Presented at: Optometry’s Meeting. Denver. June 20-23, 2018.
Disclosures: Orsborn is employed by CooperVision.