Ten years of disposable contact lenses — a review of benefits and risks

Abstract

The performance and benefits as well as the risks and complications of disposable soft lenses (single use disposable or re-used 2–4 weeks) are reviewed in relation to corneal physiology. Modern designs and advanced technology have resulted in disposable lenses providing excellent visual performance. Fewer subjective symptoms (e.g. dryness and grittiness), slit-lamp findings (such as injection and tarsal abnormalities), and inflammatory responses (papillary conjunctivitis; contact lens-induced acute red eye) have been reported with disposable lenses than with conventional soft lenses. The risk of contact lens-induced keratitis (CLIK) has been reported to be higher for daily wear of disposable lenses than for other lens types by UK investigators. Other studies have shown the risk of CLIK with disposable lenses to be equal to that with conventional soft lenses, and in two extensive Swedish studies, the incidence of severe keratitis was found to be significantly lower for daily wear (D W) of disposable lenses than for DW of conventional soft and rigid gas permeable lenses. Both the total complication rate and the number of unscheduled visits are found to be significantly lower for disposable lenses than for conventional soft lenses in several studies. Comfort has been reported to be significantly better and overall satisfaction significantly greater with disposable lenses than with conventional soft lenses according to many studies. These may be important reasons why the success rate for disposable lens wear is reported to be fairly high, generally 70–90%. The importance of appropriate care for ‘re-usable disposable lenses’ must be stressed. One day disposable lenses, if used as directed, will eliminate the risk factors of inadequate cleaning and disinfection as well as contaminated lens cases.