[Disposable contact lenses and their complications]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Contact Lens Technology
• Corneal Health

Background:

• Disposable soft contact lenses (DSCLs) are marketed as safer alternatives to conventional soft lenses.
• DSCLs include extended-wear and daily-wear types, with varying disposal schedules.
• Serious complications like ulcerative keratitis are a concern for contact lens wearers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the risk of ulcerative keratitis associated with disposable soft contact lenses.
• To compare DSCL risks with conventional daily-wear soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses.
• To identify major risk factors for contact lens-related corneal ulceration.

Main Methods:

• Review of several case-control studies on contact lens complications.
• Analysis of risk factors for ulcerative keratitis in contact lens users.
• Estimation of preventable cases of ulcerative keratitis by modifying wear patterns.

Main Results:

• DSCL wear is associated with a 14-fold excess risk of ulcerative keratitis compared to conventional daily-wear soft lenses.
• DSCL wear shows a 13-fold excess risk compared to rigid gas permeable lenses.
• Overnight lens wear for 1-3 nights is the primary risk factor for corneal ulceration.

Conclusions:

• Disposable soft contact lenses may not be a safer alternative regarding ulcerative keratitis risk.
• Eliminating overnight wear could prevent a substantial percentage (49-74%) of contact lens-associated ulcerative keratitis.
• Patient education on safe wear practices, especially avoiding overnight wear, is crucial.