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Contact Lens usage in pediatric patients: Experiences from a tertiary eyecare center in Turkey
Ali Safa Balci1, Berra Altindis2, Kerem Sen2
1University of Health Sciences Turkey, Sancaktepe Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey; University of Health Sciences Turkey, Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
Pediatric contact lens use is effective for vision correction but carries risks. Complications like keratitis and conjunctivitis are common, and poor adherence often leads to discontinuation, highlighting the need for careful management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Contact Lens Research
Background:
- Contact lenses offer visual correction for pediatric patients.
- Understanding usage patterns and outcomes is crucial for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze indications, usage, complications, and discontinuation of contact lenses in pediatric patients.
- To provide a 10-year overview from a tertiary eye care center.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational study of pediatric contact lens users (under 18) with >12 months follow-up (2014-2024).
- Data collected included demographics, lens type, indication, complications, and reasons for discontinuation.
- Descriptive statistics were employed for analysis.
Main Results:
- 923 pediatric patients analyzed; primary indications were ametropia, anisometropia, and keratoconus.
- Soft contact lenses were most common (94.1%). Complications occurred in 35.0% of soft lens users and 51.5% of rigid lens users.
- Punctate epithelial keratitis and allergic conjunctivitis were frequent complications; 10.4% discontinued lenses due to poor adherence or discomfort.
Conclusions:
- Contact lenses are viable for pediatric vision correction.
- Pediatric contact lens wear is linked to potential complications and discontinuation.
- Emphasizes the importance of diligent follow-up and patient education in pediatric contact lens management.
Purpose:
To evaluate the indications, patterns of use, complications, and reasons for discontinuation of contact lenses in pediatric patients over a 10-year period in a tertiary eye care center.
Methods:
This retrospective, observational study included patients who use contact lenses before age of 18 years and followed more than 12 months, between 2014 and 2024. Demographic data, lens type, indication, technical parameters, complications, discontinuation reasons, and follow-up duration were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results:
A total of 923 patients (63.7% female, 36.3% male) with a mean age of 14.6 ± 3.5 years and mean follow-up of 38.1 ± 26.6 months were included. The leading indications were ametropia (65.7%), anisometropia (14.1%), and keratoconus (13.2%). Most patients (94.1%) used soft contact lenses; 3.6% used rigid corneal lenses and 2.3% used silicone elastomer lenses. Contact lens-related complications occurred in 35.0% of soft lens users and 51.5% of rigid corneal lens users. Punctate epithelial keratitis (41.5%) and allergic conjunctivitis (26.9%) were the most common events. Ninety-six patients (10.4%) discontinued lens use, mainly due to poor adherence (53.1%) or discomfort (25.0%).
Conclusion:
Contact lenses are effective options for visual correction in children and adolescents. However, contact lens use in pediatric patients may be associated with complications and discontinuation. Appropriate follow-up and patient education remain important components of pediatric contact lens care.
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