First contact: maintaining safe contact lens wear
4 November 2024
Autumn 2024
How can optometrists support patients in trying, and continuing to wear, contact lenses?
The global contact lens (CL) market is expected to be worth $19.45bn (over £15bn) in 2024, with soft lenses accounting for the majority sold (Vision Center, 2024). But a significant proportion of those who try lenses stop wearing them shortly after starting. One study found that 26% drop out of wearing them within their first year. Of those, 25% discontinued during the first month and 47% within 60 days (Sulley et al, 2017).
The main reasons people give for stopping included poor distance vision (26%), poor near vision (16%), discomfort (14%), and handling problems (15%). The study also found that for 71% of those who stopped wearing lenses, no alternative CL or management strategy was attempted (Sulley et al, 2017).
Not already a member of the College?
Start enjoying the benefits of College membership today. Take a look at what the College can offer you and view our membership categories and rates.
Related further reading
A 41-year-old myopic female wearing daily disposable lenses, complaining of dry eyes, wished to be refitted with another lens type to provide better comfort.
This OiP article looks at fitting contact lenses to treat children with a variety of conditions.
Despite these potential benefits, orthokeratology is often perceived to be an advanced clinical technique only to be attempted by specialists.