Medical uses of cosmetic colored contact lenses

To explore the clinical issues surrounding the use of hand-painted contact lenses for medical indications and to assess patient satisfaction with the use of these lenses for an unsightly eye.

A questionnaire was sent to all patients visiting the contact lens department of Western Eye Hospital for a colored contact lens fitting during a 1-year period. The questionnaire related to patient satisfaction with the lenses and aspects of wear.

Replies were received from 25 of a total of 33 patients. The average wearing time was 11.3 hours per day. Most (88%) patients wore lenses for cosmetic reasons, and 12% wore lenses for cosmetic and refractive purposes. Satisfaction was 76% regarding lens comfort and 88% regarding lens color.

Provided lens care is satisfactory and the patient does not have unreasonable expectations, a tinted contact lens can be a useful device. In view of the cost implication, this is a valuable service provided by the hospital.