Kinetic visual disturbances with contact lenses

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Contact lens wear is common, but can lead to visual disturbances.
• These disturbances can be optical or mechanical in origin.
• Existing literature lacks a comprehensive review of these issues in diverse patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the optical and mechanical causes of kinetic visual disturbances in contact lens wearers.
• To categorize these disturbances based on patient type (phakic vs. aphakic) and lens type.
• To discuss potential solutions and emphasize the importance of occupational hazard assessment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of optical and mechanical factors affecting contact lens vision.
• Categorization of visual disturbances based on existing classifications.
• Analysis of lens types and their contribution to visual anomalies.

Main Results:

• Visual disturbances are classified into two main groups: those affecting both phakic and aphakic wearers, and those specific to aphakic patients.
• Disturbance types vary significantly with the specific type of contact lens used.
• Both optical aberrations and mechanical interactions between the lens and ocular surface contribute to visual issues.

Conclusions:

• Ophthalmologists must assess patient work environments and physical demands before prescribing contact lenses.
• Awareness of occupational hazards is crucial for both patients and employers to mitigate risks associated with contact lens wear.
• A thorough understanding of lens-specific optical and mechanical properties is key to managing visual disturbances.