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CDC identifies need for education on contact lens care
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One-third of contact lens wearers surveyed recalled never hearing lens care recommendations from their eye care providers although most doctors reported sharing them always or most of the time.
In a recent report from the CDC, researchers recommended that eye care providers (ECPs) use communication techniques that are easy to understand, specific, use repetition and minimize jargon and be sure the patient understands the information.
As the CDC releases these study results, the group is also collaborating with partners from clinical, public health, industry and regulatory sectors to promote healthy contact lens wear and care practices during Contact Lens Health Week, Aug. 19 to 23.
The American Optometric Association and the CDC will partner on a Facebook Live chat on Aug. 19, with AOA President Barbara L. Horn, OD, and CDC medical epidemiologist Jennifer R. Cope, MD, who will provide prevention tips to help contact lens wearers keep their eyes safe from infection, according to a press release from the CDC.
The event will also include a discussion of these study findings.
According to the study in MMWR, Porter Novelli conducted an online survey of contact lens wearers and collected responses from 733 subjects who were at least 18 years old. The American Optometric Association received 365 responses from ECPs surveyed.
One-third of contact lens wearers recalled never hearing any lens wear and care recommendations, according to the report. About half recall a recommendation to not sleep in lenses and to wash and dry hands before insertion and removal. About 42% recall a discussion of replacement schedules, 12% recall being told to avoid swimming in their lenses, and 8% recall being told to avoid showering in their lenses.
ECPs said they shared these messages more frequently at initial visits and complication-related visits than during regular check-ups.
“Developing effective health communication messages can help ECPs communicate with their patients,” the CDC said in a related announcement about Contact Lens Health Week. “Practicing proper contact lens hygiene and regularly visiting an eye care provider are important actions for keeping contact lens wearers’ eyes healthy.” – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
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