CLC to bridge contact lens knowledge gap

Washington, DC-The Contact Lens Council (CLC) has announced results from the "Eye on Innovations" survey. The findings reveal that growth in the contact lens and lens care industry is happening so fast that consumers are not aware of all the current options. More than 83% of respondents said they would try contact lenses if contact lenses were available to meet their specific eye-care requirements. Many consumers, however, do not realize that today there are contact lenses available to meet almost all vision needs.

"The study results reveal a gap between advances in vision care and consumer awareness," said Edward Schilling, CLC executive director. "We see that as an opportunity to educate consumers and have recently launched a new Web site, http://www.mycontactlenses.org/, with more information. We hope it will encourage consumers and eye-care professionals (ECPs) to have more detailed conversations that would result in improved overall care."

Some of the major advancements in contact lenses and lens care include:

The findings reveal that despite recent safety concerns and recommendations from ECPs, consumers still bend the rules when it comes to lens care.

"Contact lenses are FDA-regulated medical devices that require proper care," Schilling said. "This study is a strong indication of how important it is for consumers to follow the lens care instructions outlined by their ECPs, as well as ask about the innovations that are currently available. Those advancements make compliance easier, improve comfort, and offer flexibility to the wearer."

The survey was conducted among 500 men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 on May 1 and 2; also, 298 ECPs were surveyed between May 15 and 29.

Additional survey findings, as well as more information on proper contact lens care, can be found at the CLC site http://www.mycontactlenses.org/.