A survey of contact lens wear among diabetic patients in the United Kingdom

A survey of attitudes to the fitting of contact lenses to diabetic patients was sent to 1122 optometric, ophthalmological and dispensing members of the British Contact Lens Association; 418 completed questionnaires were analysed. Sixty-two per cent of practitioners considered rigid lenses to be the safest form of lens wear. Most preferred daily lens wear and advised frequent aftercare visits, regular soft lens replacement, special attention to hygiene and restricted wearing time. A survey of 218 diabetic patients attending three diabetic clinics revealed that 3% wore contact lenses, which is a similar percentage to the non-diabetic population. Eight patients had been advised that they could not wear contact lenses because of their diabetes. It is concluded that controlled clinical trials of contact lens wear by diabetic patients are required to supplant anecdotal opinions (such as those reported here) with sound scientific data in order to form a proper rationale for the safe fitting of contact lenses to this group of patients.