Abstract:
In the last twenty years contact lens research and development has rapidly expanded, and the indications for contact lens use has evolved to encompass a wider range of therapeutic, visual rehabilitative and preventative medicine indications. In contrast, the majority of contact lenses fitted by eye care practitioners are for refractive reasons alone. For patients to benefit from the advantages of these new developments in lens wear, practitioners need knowledge of the expanding indications and a willingness to initiate lens fitting or to refer, for these services. The aim of this thesis was to review the current and future indications for contact lens wear and the body of evidence that contact lenses can improve patient quality of life beyond visual correction alone. A narrative literature review on the expanding indications of contact lens wear was performed, including the benefits, risks and impact on patient quality of life. This thesis also reports on three cases from the author’s clinical practice where lenses were used for disease management, paediatric eye care, and visual rehabilitation with keratoconus. In conclusion, contact lens research and development has led to a significant increase in indications for contact lens in clinical practice. If this greater scope is to benefit a greater number of patients, practitioners need the skills and confidence to manage the fitting process, or confidently refer.