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

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