AS EYECARE professionals (ECPs), we’re well-versed in the nuances of contact lens hygiene—a subject that is often new and daunting for parents. With the uptick in childhood myopia (Li et al, 2017), educating parents has never been more critical.

This article lists a collection of engaging and easy-to-follow tips aimed at keeping parents actively involved in their children’s lens care. In my experience, it isn’t difficult to turn what can be a complex topic into an approachable and even enjoyable endeavor.

TIP 1 - CONSISTENT REINFORCEMENT OF HYGIENE PRACTICES

One of the most effective ways to ensure that children adhere to proper lens hygiene is through consistent reinforcement. Parents play a crucial role in this by regularly reminding their children about the importance of lens care. According to a recent study, clear and reinforced advice on contact lens hygiene significantly improves adherence to proper lens care routines, thereby reducing the risk of eye infection (Alipour et al, 2017).

Action Steps for Parents:

• Create a lens care checklist and place it in a visible location.
• Set reminders on your phone to check in with your child about their lens care routine.

TIP 2 - EDUCATE ABOUT HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS

Parents should be well-informed about behaviors that pose a high risk of eye infections, such as sleeping, showering, and swimming while wearing contact lenses. Awareness of these behaviors allows parents to guide their children in avoiding such practices (Cope et al, 2017).

Action Steps for Parents:

• Discuss with your children the danger of eye infections associated with high-risk behaviors.
• Encourage your children to switch to glasses during these activities.

TIP 3 - CHOOSING THE RIGHT TYPE OF LENSES

The type of contact lenses your patient wears can significantly impact their success, and potential complications with wear (especially overnight wear).

Action Steps for Parents:

• Consider daily disposable lenses for younger children who may struggle with lens care.
• Regularly review, and possibly update, the type of lenses as your children grow.

TIP 4 - PROPER LENS STORAGE

If patients are not using daily disposable lenses, ECPs must address the case and storage. Improper lens storage can be a breeding ground for bacteria (Dart, 1990).

Action Steps for Parents:

• Ensure the lens case is cleaned and air-dried daily.
• Replace the lens case every three months or as recommended by the eyecare professional.

ECPs have a unique opportunity to serve as educators and advocates for our youngest patients. While they can provide the tools and knowledge for proper lens hygiene, the day-to-day responsibility ultimately falls on parents.

It’s crucial that ECPs engage parents in meaningful conversations about lens hygiene and offer actionable steps that they can easily follow. By doing so, they not only contribute to the well-being of their patients but also build trust and long-term relationships with families. CLS

References

1. Li Y, Liu J, Qi P. The increasing prevalence of myopia in junior high school students in the Haidian District of Beijing, China: a 10-year population-based survey BMC Ophthalmol. 2017;17:88.
2. Alipour F, Khaheshi S, Soleimanzadeh M, Heidarzadeh S, Heydarzadeh S. Contact Lens-related Complications: a Review. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2017 Apr-Jun;12:193-204.
3. Cope JR, Collier SA, Nethercut H, Jones JM, Yates K, Yoder JS. Risk Behaviors for Contact Lens-Related Eye Infections Among Adults and Adolescents--United States, 2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wklu Rep. 2017 Aug 18;66:841-845.
4. Dart J. Contamination of contact lens storages cases. Br J Ophthalmol. 1990 Mar;74:129-130.