Longer replacement intervals leads to more fudging CL replacement times

Contact lenses prescribed for longer replacement intervals can lead to more extreme over wear (stretching) that could lead to undesirable clinical effects, according to Vistakon (Jacksonville, Fla.). In a survey of frequent replacement contact lens wearers, more than half say they are not compliant with their prescribed replacement schedule, whether wearing a 2-week or monthly lens. A random sample of 645 frequent replacement contact lens wearers answered questions relating to lens replacement frequency, using an online, sponsor-masked survey. The respondents represented wearers of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses available in the United States that are prescribed for 2-week or monthly replacement, Vistakon said in a news release. About four-in-ten (43%) wearers of 2-week replacement lenses said they replaced their lenses as prescribed. Sixty-five percent replaced them at 3 weeks; 85% within 4 weeks, 4% at 8 weeks or more, and 2% at 10 weeks or more. Only about one-third (36%) of monthly replacement lens wearers replaced their lenses as prescribed. Over half (55%) replaced them at 5 weeks, 23% at 8 weeks or more, and 14% at 10 weeks or more. Results of the study were presented at last week’s American Academy of Optometry meeting.

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