Letters: July 03

 It was with some incredulity that I read your recent editorial and the letter from Ms Cotton (19.06.09).

Whatever the modality the risk of microbial keratitis is increased by at least five times if contact lenses are worn on an extended wear basis. In my view the prescribing of 'extended wear', except in exceptional circumstances, continues to be irresponsible and possibly negligent practice.

Given the extremely high numbers of contact lens patients this practitioner is seeing it will not be long before she encounters a patient in great pain and possibly permanently visually compromised. And Ms Cotton they will not be smiling!