Extended-wear soft contact lenses for aphakic correction

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Soft contact lenses offer an alternative to corrective eyewear.
• Extended wear of contact lenses presents unique challenges and benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of extended-wear perfilcon A soft contact lenses (Permalens).
• To assess the long-term performance and complication rates of Permalens.
• To compare results with limited data from lidofilcon B and silicone lenses.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 299 eyes from 244 patients fitted with perfilcon A soft contact lenses.
• Data collection on fitting success, wearing intervals, complications, and visual acuity.
• Follow-up duration ranged from 4 to 48 months (mean 23 months).

Main Results:

• 89% of eyes (266/299) were successfully fitted and wore lenses without significant complications.
• No infectious corneal ulcers, scarring, or permanent vision loss were reported.
• 76% achieved corrected acuity of 6/12 or better; 70% wore lenses >1 month, 30% wore lenses 4-6 months.

Conclusions:

• Extended-wear perfilcon A soft contact lenses are safe and effective for a large majority of patients.
• The lenses provide good visual outcomes and allow for prolonged wear intervals.
• Initial results with lidofilcon B and silicone lenses also suggest positive outcomes.