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Landmark Study Demonstrates Patients Who Replace Contact Lenses on Schedule Report Better Comfort and Visioni
- Contact lens replacement schedule compliance higher with one-month than two-week
A report published in the journal Optometry & Vision Science demonstrated that patients who replaced their silicone hydrogel (SH) contact lenses according to the manufacturer recommended replacement frequency (MRRF) experienced better comfort and vision at the end of the day than non-compliant patients.iThe analysis was part of a larger study sponsored by CIBA VISION, which was developed to investigate contact lens replacement schedule compliance.
Researchers at the Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in Canada, confirmed in a survey of 1,334 U.S. contact lens wearersi, higher compliance with manufacturer recommended replacement schedules for SH lenses among monthly replacement contact lens wearers (71%); lower rates were reported among two-week replacement SH lens wearers (41%).i
“We know the number one reason people stop wearing contact lenses is discomfort, and this is particularly true when patients experience discomfort at the end of the day,” said Bruce Hankin, O.D., an independent eye care professional. “This study supports the belief that greater patient compliance may minimize the chance of experiencing discomfort with contact lenses, and thus, decrease the potential for patients to discontinue contact lens wear.”
The recommended replacement schedule for a contact lens is determined by the manufacturer to optimize the performance of the contact lens. Typically, contact lenses are replaced daily, every two weeks or monthly. ii Proteins, lipids and microorganisms can collect on the surface of contact lenses, so, for lenses that are going to be used more than once, it is important to clean contact lenses on removal from the eye and replace them at appropriate intervals.ii
“For the first time, a study demonstrates that proper contact lens replacement schedule compliance is associated with better vision and comfort,” said the principal investigator of the study, Desmond Fonn, MOptom, F.A.A.O., Director, CCLR and Professor, University of Waterloo School of Optometry.
“CIBA VISION is proud to continue its global leadership in studying contact lens compliance issues as a way to help eye care professionals maximize the comfort, vision quality and eye health of their patients,” said Dwight H. Akerman, O.D., F.A.A.O. (Dipl), Director of Professional Programs for CIBA VISION North America. “Through CIBA VISION Academy for Eyecare Excellence™ educational programs we will continue to teach eye care professionals about the important patient benefits of one month and one day replacement contact lenses.”
CIBA VISION offers a variety of contact lens options including the AIR OPTIX® brand of monthly replacement contact lenses and DAILIES® brand of daily replacement contact lenses to satisfy patients’ lifestyle needs and replacement schedule habits in an effort to improve quality of vision and enhance eye comfort.
About the Study
Eye care professionals (ECPs) in the U.S. were invited to participate in the study. The ECPs in turn invited patients to complete the anonymous surveys. Surveys were received from 158 ECP offices across the United States. A total of 1,334 patients wearing SH lenses completed the study survey.i Seven hundred seventeen patients were wearing two-week replacement SH lenses (53%) and 617 patients were wearing one-month replacement SH lenses (47%).i Patients were asked questions regarding the replacement frequency of their contact lenses and to rate their subjective comfort and vision with their current brand of lenses. i Data were collected for the following time points: in the morning, at the end of the day, when their lenses were new and when their lenses needed replacing. i Eye care practitioners were asked to provide lens information after the surveys had been completed and sealed in envelopes. All responses were anonymous. (A complete description of the study methodology was published in the journal Eye & Contact Lens in February 2009. See Dumbleton K, Woods C, et al. Patient and practitioner compliance with silicone hydrogel and daily disposable lens replacement in the United States. Eye & Contact Lens. 2009;35(4):164-171.)About the Centre for Contact Lens Research
Established in 1988 at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, the Centre for Contact Lens Research is a globally recognized organization that performs clinical research investigating the ocular response to contact lenses and other forms of vision correction. Working in partnership with industry affiliates and collaborating with both local and international researchers, the organization’s clinical trials focus on conventional and silicone hydrogel materials, rigid gas permeable lenses, lens care products, orthokeratology, and the ocular effects of refractive surgery.About CIBA VISION®
With a shared passion for healthy vision and better life, CIBA VISION® is a global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of contact lenses and lens care products. CIBA VISION® is dedicated to improving the quality of patients' lives around the world through innovative vision care solutions and strong partnerships with eye care professionals. With worldwide headquarters in Atlanta, CIBA VISION® products are available in more than 70 countries around the world. For more information, visit the CIBA VISION® web site at www.cibavision.com.
iDumbleton K., Woods, C, et al. Comfort and Vision with Silcone Hydrogel Lenses: Effect on Compliance. Optometry Vision Science 2010; 87(6): 421-425.
iiMayo Clinic, Contact Lenses: What to Know Before You Buy, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/contact-lenses/WL00010 (June 11, 2010)
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