Documenting informed consent for patients wearing disposable lenses

Disposable contact lenses present new clinical and legal challenges to the contact lens practitioner. Although a frequent lens replacement program should reduce the opportunity for contact lens complications and improve patient compliance with lens care and follow-up procedures, problems still may arise from the manufacturing or packaging of lenses or the failure of the patient to comply with wearing instructions. Because there yet remain significant risks associated with the extended wear of hydrogel lenses, practitioners should use an informed consent agreement to assist in the communication of these risks to patients. Such an agreement also serves as evidence of the practitioner's compliance with legal requirements.