Preventing complications in people who wear contact lenses

The number of contact lens wearers has steadily increased over the past 10 years. Convenience, efficiency and availability of different types of lenses have made them popular. The rise in the use of contact lenses has increased the number of people at risk of contact lens-related complications. Studies have highlighted the consequences of poor contact lens care. Acanthamoeba keratitis is one of the most devastating complications of contact lens wear and can be avoided by adhering to the recommended contact lens regimen. This article reviews the literature on the complications of contact lens wear and stresses the need to educate the wearer. It examines the nurse's role in relation to health promotion and the basic principles for successful long-term contact lens wear. This information is relevant to all nurses caring for people with contact lenses and will be of particular interest to the nurse who wears contact lenses.