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.
In comparison, 81% of young adults, aged 18-24, and 87% of adults, aged 25 and older, reported a bad habit. The most frequently reported risky habits among young adults and adults were not replacing lenses as often as prescribed, among around half, and not regularly replacing storage cases, among 42%.
‘Contact lenses are a safe and effective way to correct your vision when they are worn and cared for as recommended,’ said Jennifer Cope, medical epidemiologist in CDC’s Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch. ‘However, adolescents and adults can improve the way they take care of their contact lenses to reduce their risk of serious eye infections.’