Despite the continuing evolution of contact lenses, a significant number of wearers cease wear, often within just a few months. There are a great many number of reasons for this, though comfort issues tend to predominate. Over the last year or so we have published a number of papers on dropout and patient compliance with wear. Three such papers are source material for this interactive exercise.  These are:

  • Changing the conversation - The aim of this article was to consider how segmentation of reported problems through appropriate communication should allow the contact lens practitioner to always ensure the best lens is in use at any given time and for any given set of wearing circumstances. It offers some insights into the importance of communication in anticipating potential future pitfalls with lens wear
  • Pay attention to retention - Turning the challenge of dropout into an opportunity may require a targeted approach. New research findings are changing our thinking on the reasons for dropout and show that different strategies are needed to help retain patients in contact lenses at key moments during a lifetime of wear: the scenarios discussed include neophytes, existing wearers and those approaching presbyopia. This article reviews what we now know about dropout at these key moments, how we can identify those at risk and how we can tailor our management strategies to support retention at each stage.
  • Optimising contact lens wear for a lifetime of use – this article reports on a survey of practitioner recommendations on contact lens wearing times and reviews current information on the steps which can be taken for ongoing successful and safe lens wear. It offers useful insights into patient expectations and is relevant when considering possible causes of lens wear dropout.

Having read these papers and answered some related multiple choice questions, you will be given a specific case to consider. Your discussion will revolve around the identification of some potential barriers to future successful contact lens wear and, having identified these, you will need to consider some possible ways of minimising their potential to cause dropout of wear.

Once you have read through the source material, please attempt the six multiple choice questions on the following page.