Contact Lens usage in pediatric patients: Experiences from a tertiary eyecare center in Turkey.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the indications, patterns of use, complications, and reasons for discontinuation of contact lenses in pediatric patients over a 10-year period in a tertiary eye care center.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational study included patients who use contact lenses before age of 18 years and followed more than 12 months, between 2014 and 2024. Demographic data, lens type, indication, technical parameters, complications, discontinuation reasons, and follow-up duration were recorded. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 923 patients (63.7% female, 36.3% male) with a mean age of 14.6 ± 3.5 years and mean follow-up of 38.1 ± 26.6 months were included. The leading indications were ametropia (65.7%), anisometropia (14.1%), and keratoconus (13.2%). Most patients (94.1%) used soft contact lenses; 3.6% used rigid corneal lenses and 2.3% used silicone elastomer lenses. Contact lens-related complications occurred in 35.0% of soft lens users and 51.5% of rigid corneal lens users. Punctate epithelial keratitis (41.5%) and allergic conjunctivitis (26.9%) were the most common events. Ninety-six patients (10.4%) discontinued lens use, mainly due to poor adherence (53.1%) or discomfort (25.0%).

CONCLUSION

Contact lenses are effective options for visual correction in children and adolescents. However, contact lens use in pediatric patients may be associated with complications and discontinuation. Appropriate follow-up and patient education remain important components of pediatric contact lens care.