The predictability of retention and discontinuation of contact lenses

The objective of this research was to investigate the possibility of predicting the retention or discontinuation of contact lenses on the basis of their effect on the quality of life of the wearer. While most studies of discontinuation of assistive technology devices have focused on other than psychosocial causes of discontinuation, there is reason to believe that a major cause is the psychosocial effect of the device on the user.

Participants were 418 adult volunteers who had been fitted with contact lenses. One hundred eighty of the participants had discontinued wearing their lenses, while 238 were still wearing their lenses. The participants were asked to complete a recently developed questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scales (PIADS), which measures the psychosocial impact of assistive devices, and is used also to predict retention and discontinuation of other assistive devices.

Overall correct prediction of the 418 respondents was 68.9%. The PIADS was better at predicting discontinuation than retention among males, while the reverse was true for females.

The PIADS was shown to be a valid instrument to predict retention and discontinuation of contact lenses.