LOS ANGELES, July 2009 -- A new UCLA study indicates
half of contact lens wearers will experience a complication,
some vision threatening.
The study used a cross-section analysis of the types and
prevalence of contact lens related complications among patients seen at the
Jules Stein Eye
Institute of the University of California at Los Angeles.
Of the 572 patients in the study, approximately 50%
had at least one contact lens related complication. Rigid gas
permeable (RGP) contacts had a statistically lower average
number of complications than soft contacts. Papillae and giant
papillary conjunctivitis were the most prevalent complications.
Generic and private label solutions had the highest rate of
complications compared with name brand solutions.
The conclusion of the authors of the study is that the
prevalence of contact lens complications, regardless of lens
design, material, or use, shows the importance of early
detection and treatment.
The study is published in the July 2009 issue of
Eye and Contact Lens: Science and Clinical
Practice. The study's lead author is Barry Weissman, OD, PhD,
Professor of Optometry,
and Director of Contact Lens Service at the Jules Stein Eye
Institute of the University of California at Los Angeles.
