Recorded presentation

Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD, College of Optometry, Ohio State University, 338 West Tenth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210-1240, 614-292-6603, walline.1@osu.edu

Objective: Many parents report that eye care practitioners will not fit their children with contact lenses until 12 or 13 years of age. We report results from several studies to determine whether children are able to wear a variety of contact lens modalities. Methods: Eight- to 11-year-old children enrolled in a variety of contact lens studies, including rigid gas permeable contact lenses, soft contact lenses, and corneal reshaping contact lenses. The children were followed for various lengths of follow-up. Success rates were determined by calculating the percentage of subjects who were wearing contact lenses regularly at the end of the follow-up period. Results: We fitted 147 subjects with rigid gas permeable contact lenses. After two months of wear, 116 (79%) subjects reported wearing the contact lenses at least 40 hours per week, and the contact lenses were “usually comfortable” or “always comfortable.” Twelve subjects were fitted with daily disposable contact lenses, and 10 of them completed the three-month study. One subject moved but continued to wear contact lenses, so the success rate could be as high as 92%. Twenty-nine subjects were fitted with corneal reshaping contact lenses, and 24 (83%) of the subjects were still wearing corneal reshaping contact lenses after six months. All of the children were able to insert and remove contact lenses independent of their parents. Conclusions: Eight- to eleven-year-old children are able to wear a variety of contact lenses, so contact lenses should be presented as a treatment option for children with refractive error.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss contact lens options for children with parents.
• Determine what contact lens modality is most appropriate for a particular child.

Keywords: Vision Care, Child Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Paragon Vision Sciences Menicon Co., Ltd. CIBA Vision
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grant support from all companies; speaker's bureau for Paragon Vision Sciences

Recorded presentation