The challenges for contact lens wearers
Spherical, toric, and multifocal contact lens wearers all face unique challenges over a lifetime of wear.
- Spherical patients—especially those in hydrogel lenses—are still at risk of dropping out due to discomfort.
- Astigmatic patients in traditional ballast-design toric lenses may deal with unstable vision on a daily basis.
- And emerging presbyopes may be missing the opportunity to make the transition into multifocal contact lenses earlier and easier.
The Research
Extensive patient research tells us that patient-reported satisfaction with lenses does not predict likelihood to stay in lenses. In fact, while over 90% of patients state that they are satisfied with contact lenses, almost 1 in 5 are considering dropping out, with comfort as the primary reason.1
Hydrogel Lens Patients Are Particularly At Risk
Hydrogel patients are almost 50% more likely to discontinue contact lens wear than silicone hydrogel lens wearers 1. Many contact lens wearers over 30 are in older technology monthly hydrogel lenses2 and are at particular risk for dropout, especially since this population tends to require more comfortable materials for their eyes.
Dr. Robin Chalmers study shows that hydrogel contact lens wearers from ages 18 to 35 report an increasing struggle with contact lens wear and express more problems due to feelings of dryness and discomfort compared to silicone hydrogel wearers.2
1 2004 Contact Lens Drop Out Study, 2005 Synovate Consumer Research.
2 Chalmers RL et al. Struggle with hydrogel CL wear increases with age in young adults. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2009;32(3):113-119.
