Contamination Risk of Reusing Daily Disposable Contact Lenses

Abstract

Reuse of lenses poses an important risk for DDCL users because they are unlikely to have received proper training in cleaning and disinfection of lenses and do not use a lens case or disinfecting solutions. Overnight storage in BPS results in contaminated lenses which if reused increases the infection risk especially with Staphylococci. It is important that practitioners carefully educate their patients in correct use of DDCL and, as cost of lenses is a major factor in willingness to reuse, ensure that DDCL is the most suitable choice when prescribing.

Practitioner Perceptions of Patients Wearing Decorative Contact Lenses Purchased Through Unauthorized Sellers

“…6,7 There are several factors that contribute to one's susceptibility to these complications, including poor quality of contact lens material, improper wearing modality, extended wear time, infrequent replacement schedule, "topping off" disinfecting solution, inappropriate lens parameters, inadequate adherence to wear and care procedures, and poor lens and lens case hygiene. [8][9][10] Of these risk factors, extended contact lens wear and omitted or infrequent lens and case disinfection and replacement are common predisposing factors that are most likely to increase one's risk of developing a contact lensrelated eye infection. 6 These risk factors are modifiable and may be minimized by professional contact lens fitting and appropriate patient education by an eye care professional.…”

A multi-country assessment of compliance with daily disposable contact lens wear

“…Approximately half of the participants re-using lenses used a contact lens disinfecting solution, with the remainder using either contact lens saline or the solution from the packages. Unsuitable methods of lens storage and disinfection of re-used DDCLs have been reported previously [32], and in the same study the blister pack solutions of twenty young adults were cultured after a worn lens had been replaced in the package and contamination was found for 19 of the 20 study participants [32]. The failure to use appropriate contact lens disinfection solutions to store DDCLs before they are re-used is likely to place these wearers at a significantly greater risk of developing microbial keratitis [33].…”

Compliance Study of Contact Lens Wearers in Japan—Part 2

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] It has been suggested that a prominent contributing cause of eye complications may be noncompliance with the recommended guidelines for wearing CL. [10][11][12] In a companion study, 13 an Internet survey was conducted in current CL wearers who use their CLs regularly with satisfaction in Japan.…”