Medical uses of cosmetic colored contact lenses.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the clinical issues surrounding the use of hand-painted contact lenses for medical indications and to assess patient satisfaction with the use of these lenses for an unsightly eye.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to all patients visiting the contact lens department of Western Eye Hospital for a colored contact lens fitting during a 1-year period. The questionnaire related to patient satisfaction with the lenses and aspects of wear.


RESULTS
Replies were received from 25 of a total of 33 patients. The average wearing time was 11.3 hours per day. Most (88%) patients wore lenses for cosmetic reasons, and 12% wore lenses for cosmetic and refractive purposes. Satisfaction was 76% regarding lens comfort and 88% regarding lens color.


CONCLUSIONS
Provided lens care is satisfactory and the patient does not have unreasonable expectations, a tinted contact lens can be a useful device. In view of the cost implication, this is a valuable service provided by the hospital.
Cole
C J
CJ
Contact Lens Department, Western Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Vogt
U
U
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D003116:Color; D003261:Contact Lenses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005127:Eye Color; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors