US body finds lack of contact lens care

A majority of contact lens wearers in the US risked serious eye infections by not taking enough care, according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A report published CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found 85% of adolescent wearers admit at least one habit that increases the chance of an eye infection.

The CDC data, based on the wear and care habits of an estimated 3 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, coincided with US Contact Lens Health Week from August 21-25. In total, 44% of adolescents did not have an eye exam once a year, while 30% slept or napped wearing lenses and 27% swam while wearing lenses.