One-week vs. 2-week hydrogel extended wear schedules

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Extended wear contact lenses offer convenience but pose risks to ocular health.
• Understanding the impact of different removal frequencies is crucial for patient safety.
• High water content lenses are commonly used for extended wear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of weekly versus bi-weekly removal of 58% water content extended wear contact lenses on corneal parameters.
• To assess the incidence of adverse events associated with different lens removal schedules.

Main Methods:

• Fifteen myopic patients participated in a 3-month study.
• One eye wore lenses removed weekly for one night; the other eye had lenses removed bi-weekly for one night.
• Corneal thickness, K-readings, corneal shape factor, and biomicroscopic findings were monitored.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in daytime corneal thickness, K-readings, or corneal shape factor were observed between the two schedules.
• A slight, non-statistically significant increase in corneal thickness was noted prior to lens reinsertion in the bi-weekly group.
• Myopia progression was statistically significant at two visits for the weekly removal schedule.
• Biomicroscopic findings were slightly more frequent with the bi-weekly schedule.
• Two cases of corneal ulcers occurred, one in each wear schedule group.

Conclusions:

• Weekly and bi-weekly removal of 58% water content extended wear lenses do not significantly impact corneal thickness or refractive parameters.
• The bi-weekly removal schedule may be associated with a slightly higher risk of adverse biomicroscopic findings.
• While rare, corneal ulcers can occur with either removal schedule, highlighting the importance of proper lens care and monitoring.