Longer Replacement Contact Lenses Associated with More Unscheduled Visits to the Eye Doctor, Study Shows

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Contact lenses prescribed for longer replacement intervals were associated with more unscheduled visits to the eye doctor, new research shows.  

Thirteen percent of patients wearing monthly replacement contact lenses returned to their eye doctor with comfort or vision complaints or required a lens refit compared to eight percent of patients wearing a two-week modality over the study period. This translates to 62 percent more of these unscheduled doctors' visits for monthly wearers versus two-week wearers.  Visits requiring medical treatment were recorded separately and were not different between the two groups.

The findings were presented today at The American Academy of Optometry meeting.

About the Study

This study used a sponsor-masked, chart review involving prospective chart selection and retrospective review of patient records.  Three hundred seventy-four optometrists participated, their eligibility confirmed if they recommended and prescribed silicone hydrogel contact lenses according to manufacturer recommended replacement frequency. A sample of 1,038 two-week and 391 monthly contact lens wearers' charts were reviewed retrospectively going back to the previous two scheduled full eye examinations, and were reviewed for number of office visits for clinical complaints related to contact lens performance and duration between annual exams.

The study found that nearly 75 percent of contact lens patients returned for their annual visit within 11 to 15 months of their last scheduled exam regardless of contact lens modality. The median timeframe was 13 months, with few patients returning prior to 10 months, or stretching the interval between examinations beyond 24 months.

"Monthly contact lens wearers were significantly more likely than two-week wearers to return to their doctor for clinical complaints," says study author Sheila Hickson-Curran, BSc (Hons), MCOptom, FAAO, Director of Medical Affairs, VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.  "Because these complaints could negatively affect patient satisfaction with both their doctor and contact lenses in general, doctors should consider these findings when deciding on the optimal reusable silicone hydrogel lens for their patients and their practice."

The study was sponsored by VISTAKON®, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

Sources: Hickson-Curran, S, Alford, J, "Silicone Hydrogel Replacement Frequency: Impact on Frequency of Scheduled and Unscheduled Clinic Visit."

VISTAKON® is a trademark of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.

SOURCE VISTAKON