CDC Survey Identifies Riskiest CL Wearer Behaviours

Friday, September 4 2015 | 00 h 00 min | Vision Science

A recent survey from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report warns that 99% of contact lens wearers engage in at least one behaviour putting them at risk of CL-related infection.

The most common risky behaviour was wearing contacts for longer than recommended (82.3% of respondents). Other common behaviours were “topping off” CL solution rather than replacing the solution completely (55.1%) and wearing contact lenses while sleeping (50.2%). Each of these behaviours represents a fivefold or greater increase in the risk of infection.

The CDC ran its second annual Contact Lens Health Week from August 24-28 to raise awareness of CL-related infections. In support of CL Health Week, CooperVision released materials to educate CL wearers on maintaining healthy eyes.

Further information: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6432a2.htm, http://finance.yahoo.com/news/top-doctor-offers-six-contact-195700581.html