A Lifetime of Contact Lens Wear

Lifetime contact lens wear isn’t a distant goal—it’s possible now and reshaping how we approach care for patients of all ages. With significant advances in myopia management and multifocal lens technology, eye care practitioners are uniquely positioned to introduce patients to contact lenses at a young age and help them comfortably wear them throughout their lifetime—from childhood myopia through presbyopia and everything in between.

At our practice, this full-spectrum approach informs eveFry patient encounter and conversation. Whether we’re guiding a child toward their first myopia control lens or helping a long-time spectacle wearer transition into multifocal lenses, our goal is to deliver personalized, high-quality care adapted to each patient’s age and lifestyle. This mindset enhances patient outcomes, increases patient satisfaction, encourages long-term contact lens wear, and supports consistent practice growth for the benefit of everyone involved.

MYOPIA INTERVENTION

Preventive care is the cornerstone of our philosophy, particularly in pediatrics. Studies suggest myopia affects an estimated 40% of US children, and the prevalence for all ages is expected to reach 50% by 2030, underscoring the importance of early intervention.¹ By discussing long-term visual health implications and lifestyle considerations with our young patients and their parents, we can make informed and personalized recommendations that support lasting outcomes.

For most of my pediatric patients, soft contact lenses are my go-to choice for slowing the progression of myopia. They are easy for children to manage, and in my own experience fitting more than 100 patients, outcomes have been consistently positive. For patients with higher levels of astigmatism, or whose lifestyles make overnight lens wear a better fit, orthokeratology continues to serve as a valuable alternative for myopia management.

Regardless of the modality, our goal is to ensure a positive first-time lens-wearing experience. When children are introduced to contact lenses with enthusiasm and support, they’re more likely to embrace them as a lifelong vision solution.

EMERGING PRESBYOPES

Signs of presbyopia often begin to emerge in a patient’s late 30s or early 40s—well before they may feel “old enough” for reading glasses. At our practice, we prepare patients for this inevitability by introducing the concept of a multifocal contact lens early on, even if they’re not quite ready to make the transition. Once symptoms become disruptive, we begin the fitting process with a clear plan and set expectations—something that works far better when the patient is already familiar with multifocal lenses.

Daily disposable multifocal lens technology has seen significant advances. Following fitting guidelines and easing patients into multifocal lenses (often starting with lower add powers in their dominant eye) can help maintain distance vision, which patients are often unwilling to compromise. This approach helps improve first-fit success and builds patient confidence in the process. Today, fewer than 10% of my multifocal patients fail to adapt.

For patients in their 50s and beyond—particularly those who may be new to contact lens wear or returning after a long hiatus—providing personalized guidance helps ensure successful lens wear. Many are pleasantly surprised by the quality of both distance and near vision available with today’s multifocal lens options. By normalizing the use of contact lenses at this stage, we help patients feel empowered rather than limited by their changing vision needs. Encouraging a low-pressure mindset—simply giving lenses a try—combined with sharing the success of other patients often leads to positive outcomes and continued lens wear.

Multifocal contact lenses aren’t just a solution—they’re a long-term strategy, enabling us to keep patients in contact lenses longer, even as their visual needs continue to shift. This continuity supports the patient relationship while extending the benefits of contact lens wear into later life.

STAFF ENGAGEMENT

While technology and lens innovation play an important role in improving patient outcomes, they’re only part of the equation. One of the most powerful drivers of successful contact lens wear is the involvement of a well-trained and educated staff.

The contact lens conversation starts before the patient even reaches my chair. During pretesting, my technician routinely asks whether patients wear contact lenses. This simple question opens the door to valuable insights about prior experiences, misconceptions, or unspoken interest. It also helps set the stage for a more tailored and productive clinical conversation once I enter the room.

Proactive staff engagement reinforces a clear message: Contact lenses are a normal, accessible, and worthwhile investment for many patients. It builds trust and curiosity around lens wear and helps the patient feel supported from the beginning. When my whole team is aligned and confident in their contact lens knowledge, it elevates the entire patient experience. These small but intentional conversations can have a big and lasting effect.

A LOOK AHEAD

Embracing the concept of lifelong contact lens wear means committing to personalized care that adapts as a patient’s vision and lifestyle evolve. Our goal should be to support vision correction and foster confidence and independence throughout every stage of life—and every stage of vision.

Whether addressing the needs of a child with worsening myopia or an adult who’s frustrated with their reading glasses, contact lenses can enhance both vision and overall quality of life—while also boosting revenue for your practice. Long-term contact lens success hinges on proactive ocular surface management. Careful assessment of tear film stability, lid margin health, and meibomian gland function helps reduce dropout due to dryness or discomfort. Interventions may include prescribing preservative-free lubricants, optimizing lid hygiene, and leveraging in-office therapies for evaporative dry eye, ensuring patients maintain comfort and visual quality across all modalities of wear—from myopia management to presbyopia.

As innovation continues, I am excited about the future of contact lens wear. Daily disposables have become central to sustaining comfort, hygiene, and ease of use over time. With continued advances, especially in designs for patients with astigmatism or presbyopia, we’re better positioned now than ever before to help our patients remain in contact lenses for life. In the years ahead, I would love to see a soft toric myopia control lens to help close remaining gaps in lifetime contact lens accessibility, further reinforcing the value of proactive care.

With the right technologies, a proactive mindset, and a committed team, supporting a lifetime of contact lens wear becomes not just an aspiration but a practice standard.