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Compliance with lens replacement and the interval between eye examinations
Kathy Dumbleton1, Doris Richter, Peter Bergenske
1Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. kdumble@uwaterloo.ca
Summary
Patients not replacing contact lenses on schedule have longer intervals between eye exams. Eye care practitioners should emphasize proper lens replacement and care to maintain patient retention and reduce complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Patient adherence to contact lens replacement schedules is suboptimal.
- Non-compliance may have significant implications for eye care practices and patient eye health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between contact lens replacement compliance and the interval between full eye examinations (IEE).
Main Methods:
- A study involving 2147 patients and 141 eye care practitioner (ECP) offices in the United States.
- Linked questionnaires completed by ECPs and patients assessed contact lens wear, care, and replacement behaviors.
- Included wearers of daily disposable (DD), 2-week (2WR), and 1-month (1MR) reusable silicone hydrogel lenses.
Main Results:
- Wearers of 2WR lenses showed significantly lower replacement compliance (34%) compared to DD (74%) and 1MR (67%) wearers.
- Non-compliant patients had a longer mean IEE (17.4 months) than compliant patients (14.5 months).
- Factors influencing IEE included lens type, purchase of annual supply, household income, insurance, purchase source, and sex.
Conclusions:
- Non-compliance with manufacturer-recommended replacement frequency (MRRF) is linked to longer intervals between eye exams.
- Patients purchasing an annual supply, from their ECP, with higher income, insurance, or who are female had shorter IEEs.
- ECPs must reinforce the importance of all aspects of lens wear and care to reduce complications and retain patients.
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