Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses and Water Exposure: Practices and Perceptions

Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE This study provides insight into the current recommendations, clinical behaviors, and risk assessments of eye care professionals on the topic of rigid contact lens exposure to tap water. This knowledge may motivate professional organizations to develop initiatives to educate eye care professionals on the dangers of contact lens exposure to water. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice patterns and risk perceptions of eye care professionals regarding gas-permeable contact lens exposure to tap water. METHODS A branched-logic survey was started by 320 clinicians, vision scientists, and industry personnel and was fully completed by 272 participants. The survey queried participants about their current practices, recommendations, and perceptions of risk regarding exposure of gas-permeable contact lenses to tap water. RESULTS Of those who prescribe gas-permeable contact lenses, 57.4% reported rinsing lenses with tap water, whereas only 32.7% reported engaging in this same behavior in front of patients. Of those who reported never rinsing lenses with tap water, 85.6% indicated that rinsing lenses with water increases infection risk, whereas 52.1% of those who rinse lenses with water reported the same perceived risk (P < .001). Of all participants, 60% indicated that wearing contact lenses while showering increases infection risk, and 50.2% of all participants advised patients to avoid this behavior. CONCLUSIONS A discrepancy exists between perceptions of risk concerning exposure of contact lenses to water and both clinical practices and patient education provided by professionals.

The Future of Vision: A Review of Electronic Contact Lenses Technology

“…Safety considerations include the risk of eye damage and cyber-attacks, but researchers are developing secure systems and protocols to prevent these risks. Despite these concerns, researchers and manufacturers are taking steps to ensure the safe and ethical use of e-CLs, and by doing so, e-CLs have the potential to be used for their intended purposes in a safe and ethical manner . This is particularly concerning in the case of lenses equipped with cameras, which could be used for surreptitious recording or other unethical purposes.…”

Evaluation of Rinsing Options for Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lenses

“…In a recent survey, 57% of practitioners who prescribe GP lenses reported that they rinse diagnostic or patientowned GP lenses with tap water. 5 The exposure of contact lenses to tap water increases the risk of developing potentially serious inflammatory and infectious corneal conditions, including Acanthamoeba keratitis. 6,7 Sterile saline products currently available on the market may be suitable alternatives to tap water for rinsing GP cleaners from lens surfaces.…”