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Patient Communication

Managing New Contact Lens Wearers

Published on Nov 6, 2017
5 Minutes Read
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Almost half of new contact lens wearers who discontinue use do so in the first few months. But by staying active and following up after writing the prescription, you can help identify and alleviate issues early on.  

The top 3 reasons new wearers stop wearing contact lenses are:

  • Difficulty with insertion and removal 58%
  • Discomfort and dryness 57%
  • Unhappiness with visual performance 44%

Just as with almost anything, not all contact lenses work for all patients. And sometimes it might take a few tries to find the lens that works best for them. By following up with a patient—and encouraging them to do the same—you can help resolve issues and address concerns early on. 

Early signs of issues that can result in drop-out

Vision Problems - From poor near or distance vision to fluctuating vision and other issues

Discomfort or dryness - Could be on insertion, toward the end of the day or dependent on environmental factors

Insertion and removal issues - Patients may not be wearing lenses as often as they’d like because of the time it takes to put them in or take them out

Lens care apathy - Cleaning and taking care of contacts may be seen as a chore to some new wearers

Practice Makes Perfect

If patients are showing frustration with the early stages of wearing contacts:

  • Assure them that many people experience the same issues
  • Show your support and encourage new wearers to give their lenses a fair shot
  • Reiterate the importance of patients taking good care of their lenses, and that while it may seem like a lot of work now, soon it will feel as simple as brushing their teeth twice a day