A retrospective study of disposable extended wear lenses in 100 patients: year 3.

We present the results of the third year of follow-up of a group of 100 patients wearing disposable contact lenses on an extended wear basis. Thirty-seven males and 63 females participated in the study. The mean patient age was 41.76 years (SD: 14.5), and the mean patient follow-up time was 37.73 months (SD: 5.25). Twenty-three patients were lost to follow-up. Most of those lost to follow-up decided to purchase their lenses at discount outlets. A case of recurrent corneal ulcers in a patient wearing lenses obtained from a discount outlet is described. A significant decrease in events defined as complications (14 events) was noted as compared with the second year (32 events) of the study. One corneal infiltrate and one corneal ulcer were noted. Disposable extended wear lenses may be a reasonable means of vision correction in the properly selected patient with appropriate follow-up provided by a well-trained eye care practitioner.