At least 60 percent of contact lenses prescribed in the United States are silicone hydrogel contacts or daily disposable contacts, according to a recent study conducted by the Centre for Contact Lens Research (Ontario, Canada).
The researchers surveyed 158 eye doctors regarding the types of contact lenses they prescribed for a total of 1,654 patients. The survey was part of a larger study designed to assess patient and eye care practitioner compliance with recommended replacement frequency of contact lenses.
The study found:
- Silicone hydrogel lenses were prescribed for 45 percent of patients and daily disposable contacts were prescribed for 16 percent.
- A very large majority of the contact lenses (92 percent) were prescribed for correction of myopia.
- Toric contact lenses for astigmatism were prescribed for 16 percent of patients and multifocal contacts were prescribed for 3 percent.
Also, 12 percent of patients reported wearing their lenses overnight as extended wear contacts. Even among patients wearing daily disposable lenses, 19 percent reported wearing their contacts overnight occasionally, frequently or almost every night.
Source: What contact lens materials are patients wearing? Contact Lens Spectrum. August 2009.
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