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A decade of contact lens prescribing trends in the United Kingdom (1996-2005)

Morgan, Philip B. and Efron, Nathan (2006) A decade of contact lens prescribing trends in the United Kingdom (1996-2005). Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, 29(2). pp. 59-68.

DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2006.02.008

Abstract

PURPOSE: To document contact lens prescribing trends in the United Kingdom over the past decade (between 1996 and 2005). METHODS: An annual survey of contact lens prescribing trends was conducted each year by asking a random selection of optometrists and dispensing opticians to provide information relating to 10 consecutive contact lens fits between January and March. RESULTS: Over the 10-year survey period, 1251 practitioners returned survey forms representing a total of 12,050 contact lens fits. The mean (+/-standard deviation) age of lens wearers was 33+/-13 years of which 64% were female. Over the survey period, rigid lens new fits decreased from 22% to 4%. Low water content lenses reduced from 20% to 2% of new soft lens fits. Soft toric lenses gradually increased to the point where they accounted for the expected proportion of patients with astigmatism>or=1.00DC (i.e. >20% of soft lens fits). Monthly and daily disposable lenses accounted for >90% of all soft lens fits between 2003 and 2005. The proportion of new soft fits and refits prescribed as extended wear has gradually increased, stabilizing at about 5% of new fits and 12% of refits. Multi-purpose lens care solutions increased from 60% of all care systems in 1997 to 91% in 2005. Rigid lenses and monthly replacement soft lenses are predominantly worn on a full time basis, whereas daily disposable soft lenses are mainly worn part time. CONCLUSIONS: This survey indicates that technological advancements such as the development of new lens materials, manufacturing methods and lens designs have had a significant impact on the contact lens market over a relatively short period of time.

ID Code:11265
Item Type:Journal Article
Additional Information:For more information, please refer to the journal's website (see hypertext link) or contact the author.
Keywords:Contact lens, Prescribing trends, Survey, Rigid lens, Soft lens, Contact lens solutions, Wearing modalities
ISSN:1367-0484
Subjects:Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification > MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (110000) > OPTOMETRY AND OPHTHALMOLOGY (111300)
Divisions:Institutes > Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation
Research Centres > Centre for Health Research
QUT Faculties and Divisions > Faculty of Health
Copyright Owner:Copyright 2006 Elsevier
Deposited On:04 Jan 2008
Last Modified:10 Feb 2010 01:58

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