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1Contact Lens Department, City and Islington College, Centre for Applied Sciences, 311-321 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7DD, UK. timbowden@talk21.com
Summary
Modern contact lens wearers differ significantly from those in 1949, with changes in demographics, lens choices, and motivations. Despite shorter wearing times, patients report higher satisfaction due to increased options and accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Contact Lens Technology
Background:
- Historical data on contact lens wearers from a pre-1949 study.
- Need to understand current trends in contact lens fitting and patient attitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare contemporary contact lens wearing habits and attitudes with historical data.
- Analyze changes in wearer demographics, lens types, and patient satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Survey of current contact lens wearers across 10 lens categories.
- Collected data on age, occupation, sex, and patient-reported outcomes (comfort, vision, convenience).
- Compared findings with a historical study by Cross (pre-1949).
Main Results:
- Significant shifts observed in wearer age, occupations, and wearing modalities compared to historical data.
- Modern wearers benefit from a wide array of lens types, materials, and fitting practices.
- Increased choice and lower costs contribute to patient satisfaction, despite reduced wearing times.
Conclusions:
- Contact lens wear has evolved dramatically, offering greater choice and accessibility.
- Patient motivations and expectations have shifted, reflecting advancements in lens technology and fitting services.
- Modern contact lens wear is characterized by increased patient autonomy and satisfaction.