Comment: The extra steps to contact lens safety

When it comes to consumers and contact lens compliance, research regularly shows the extent to which corners are cut, which makes it doubly important that CL solutions are fit for task.

At last week's FDA meeting in the US, agency scientists said that 80 per cent of problems with contact lenses were caused by users not following directions, stressing the importance of following product labelling. CLs were described as 'a very unique medical device in that patients have enormous control over the rate of infection'. It's not surprising then that changes are likely to include warnings to incorporate a rub and rinse step, and to comply with discard dates on lenses and frequent replacement of cases.