Almost all contact lens wearers may be taking risks: US report

Additionally, nearly one-third of contact lens wearers who participated in a national survey in the US reported going to an eye-care practitioner for painful or red eyes related to contact lens use and 99 per cent of survey respondents reported engaging in one risky behavior.
Of those participants, 82.3 per cent reported keeping their contact lens cases for longer than recommended; 55.1 per cent reported “topping off” solution in the case – adding new solution to the existing solution; and 50.2 per cent reported wearing their lenses while sleeping. In previous studies, each of those behaviors has been known to increase the risk of eye infections by five times or more.
“Good vision contributes to overall well-being and independence for people of all ages, so it’s important not to cut corners on healthy contact lens wear and care,” CDC medical epidiologist Dr Jennifer Cope, MD, MPH. “We are finding that many wearers are unclear about how to properly wear and care for contact lenses.”
During 24-28 August, the CDC will hosted the second annual Contact Lens Health Week, to raise awareness about healthy contact lens care, with the CDC promoting its campaign, developed in collaboration with doctors, public health, eye-care industry and regulatory partners.
“The American Optometric Association applauds the work of the CDC regarding the release of a report on risky eye-care behaviors of contact lens wearers,” Dr Steven Loomis, OD, president of theAmerican Optometric Association, said.
“Our top priority is the advocacy of patient health and safety. As patients sometimes obtain their contacts from sources other than their eye=care practitioner, they can forget the pivotal importance of professional care.”
The AOA said to prevent eye infections, contact lens wearers should follow these tips:
– Wash hands with soap and water and dry th well before touching contact lenses;
– Take contacts out before sleeping, showering or swimming;
– Rub and rinse contacts in disinfecting solution each time they rove th;
– Rub and rinse the case with contact lens solution, dry with a clean tissue and store it upside down with the caps off after each use;
– Replace contact lens cases at least once every three months;
– Avoid “topping off” solution in lens case (adding fresh solution to old solution); and
– Carry a back-up pair of glasses in case contact lenses have to be taken out.