Concern over Which? probe into contact lenses

The contact lens sector was bracing itself for potentially damaging media claims next week when Which? magazine publishes a new investigation on the market.

The article, which is embargoed until next Thursday, is expected to claim that some manufacturers' daily disposable lenses and re-usable soft lenses are virtually identical.

The report is understood to state that practitioners are prescribing and supplying monthly lenses when dailies can be 'recycled for the same period with very little extra risk or cost' and therefore at vastly reduced costs.

The BCLA has reacted with alarm at the prospect, alerting its members to the potential misleading publicity following publication, which is due on April 6.

In a statement the Association said this week: 'Which? is understood to have approached five manufacturers for information on the physical characteristics of their lenses and then asked a contact lens manufacturer and an optician to compare the data.

The two 'experts' are said to have concluded that only in the case of one manufacturer are there significant differences between the daily disposable and re-usable lenses.

'Although Which? may stop short of advocating the re-use of daily disposable lenses, the BCLA is concerned that patients may misinterpret the report and any subsequent media coverage.'

The Association has issued a five-point advice listing on the issue.

*Contact lenses are not interchangeable and can only be prescribed by a qualified eye care practitioner

*Daily disposable lenses are approved only for daily wear, single use and not for any other wearing schedule

*Throwing lenses away every day offers health benefits when compared to re-using lenses, as well as being simple and convenient

*There is a significant risk to patients who re-use daily disposable lenses without the proper care procedures

*Contact lens wearers should not switch their lens type, wearing schedule, replacement frequency or care procedures, without the recommendation of their eye care practitioner.