Clinical management of regular replacement: Part I. Selection of replacement frequency

Abstract

The present investigation assessed the performance of the 02 series lenses used on an extended wear modality, on a disposable/regular replacement schedule. In this study, the lenses were not replaced, but lens performance was monitored in order to detect any change upon which to decide the “optimal” replacement frequency. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the possible benefits of individually prescribing lens replacement schedules. To date the study has shown the following: 1. (i)The extended wear performance of 02 series lenses in time is highly patient-dependent. 2. (ii) If the replacement frequency is chosen based upon changing lenses before any significant alterations (in lens wettability, subjective comfort, or vision) take place, the necessary replacement frequency will vary between I week and 3 months among a representative contact lens population. 3. (iii) For current wearers, those who are symptomatic with their own lenses will require early lens replacement, most likely I week (65% cases), whereas those that are asymptomatic will need to replace their lenses only every 2 weeks to 3 months. In conclusion a management strategy is proposed to advise patients and to decide on the required regular replacement frequency (based upon monitoring the changes in “keratometer” breakup time, lens front-surface deposits, and subjective comfort and vision) that is feasible in routine practice.