This link from a CDC report reinforces what we all know about contact lenses, which are a great option for vision correction, but they must be worn properly.
Contact Lens-Related Corneal Infections - United States, 2005-2015
One of the many reasons that prescriptive authority must be part of contact lens wear is so eye doctors can provide patient education to combat at-risk wear habits. Many patients wonder why they must be seen yearly if they feel that their prescription hasn't changed. While many are often surprised to find that visual acuity has declined gradually since their last exam and are excited about seeing better with an updated prescription, some really do not have any significant changes in their vision at certain times in their lives, but most contact lens wearers do admit to habits of over-wear, laziness in maintaining their lenses and so on, thus requiring regular monitoring and education to reduce the risk of complications, some of which can cause permanent vision loss.
Some complications present acutely, others are more gradual but a very high percentage are preventable with education and proper adherence to safe wear, replacement and maintenance recommendations. This study sites a significant percentage of cases reported as preventable, but I feel it is likely much higher. I do occasionally see complications from contact lens abuse (or rather self-abuse via careless contact lens wear), though I am pleased to report that the number of cases seen in my practice has decreased steadily over time. Very few cases involve patients that I have seen regularly where repeated instruction regarding safe lens wear habits has taken effect.
In addition to education, other dialogue during exams can lead to changes in the brand or replacement modality of contact lenses to not only improve vision but also provide reduced risk, improved comfort and overall quality of life. Very rarely do I see cases that do not involve a improper wear. I tell patients that their relationship with their contacts is like any other relationship; if they do the right thing every day and take care of their lenses properly, their lenses will take care of them. Conversely, if they get lazy, take their lenses for granted or abuse them, they will live to regret it. So do the right thing every day.
Contact Lens-Related Corneal Infections - United States, 2005-2015
One of the many reasons that prescriptive authority must be part of contact lens wear is so eye doctors can provide patient education to combat at-risk wear habits. Many patients wonder why they must be seen yearly if they feel that their prescription hasn't changed. While many are often surprised to find that visual acuity has declined gradually since their last exam and are excited about seeing better with an updated prescription, some really do not have any significant changes in their vision at certain times in their lives, but most contact lens wearers do admit to habits of over-wear, laziness in maintaining their lenses and so on, thus requiring regular monitoring and education to reduce the risk of complications, some of which can cause permanent vision loss.
Some complications present acutely, others are more gradual but a very high percentage are preventable with education and proper adherence to safe wear, replacement and maintenance recommendations. This study sites a significant percentage of cases reported as preventable, but I feel it is likely much higher. I do occasionally see complications from contact lens abuse (or rather self-abuse via careless contact lens wear), though I am pleased to report that the number of cases seen in my practice has decreased steadily over time. Very few cases involve patients that I have seen regularly where repeated instruction regarding safe lens wear habits has taken effect.
In addition to education, other dialogue during exams can lead to changes in the brand or replacement modality of contact lenses to not only improve vision but also provide reduced risk, improved comfort and overall quality of life. Very rarely do I see cases that do not involve a improper wear. I tell patients that their relationship with their contacts is like any other relationship; if they do the right thing every day and take care of their lenses properly, their lenses will take care of them. Conversely, if they get lazy, take their lenses for granted or abuse them, they will live to regret it. So do the right thing every day.