Eye care professionals (ECPs) are continually seeking ways to optimize both patient outcomes and practice efficiency. One area ripe for re-evaluation is the replacement schedule for contact lenses. While two-week replacement schedules have been a mainstay in many practices, there’s growing recognition that this common replacement schedule isn’t as intuitive as it could be — and, in many cases, doesn’t align with patients’ lifestyles. INTUITIVENESS AND COMPLIANCE IN REPLACEMENT SCHEDULES While so many habits, from grocery shopping and meal prep to changing bedding and paying bills, happen weekly or monthly, very little is on a twice-monthly schedule. Ultimately, patients on a two-week contact lens replacement schedule must remember this lens change, which doesn’t coincide with natural cycles they’re likely accustomed to following. Not surprisingly, then, two-week contact lenses are the least compliant modality and that’s a problem.2,3 Other challenges with a two-week modality? 1. LESS COMPLIANCE LEADS TO LOWER PATIENT SATISFACTION Less-than-optimal compliance is just the beginning. More compliant contact lens wearers have better eye health and more positive outcomes.4 This leads to happier patients and greater patient retention.5 2. INCREASED CONTACT LENS BUILD-UP Two-week contact lens replacement schedules may lead to unwanted build-up on lenses.6,7 By reducing the wear time of each lens, there’s less opportunity for protein deposits, bacteria, and other contaminants to build up.8 Shifting to a shorter replacement schedule, wearers may lower their risk of complications and infections. 3. STRONGER PRACTICE CONNECTIONS Shorter replacement schedules come with many advantages for patients and practices. Two-week lenses are the least compliant modality2,3 and more compliant wearers return to their eye doctors an average of three months sooner than non-compliant patients.9 What’s more, versus two-week schedules, shorter modalities encourage regular, consistent purchases which can help streamline inventory, given the more predictable turnover of lens stock. Moreover, patients visiting their eye professional more provides increased opportunities to create personal connections, engage in added care conversations, and build a stronger patientprovider relationship. 4. SETTING A NEW STANDARD IN EYE CARE Ultimately, recommending a more intuitive replacement schedule positions a practice as progressive and patientcentric. Embracing shorter modalities shows that a practice is in tune with the latest industry trends and patient preferences, potentially setting it apart in a competitive market TWO-WEEK CONTACT LENSES ARE THE LEAST COMPLIANT MODALITY STARTING THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUR PATIENTS Today’s patients look for simplicity and convenience in all aspects of life, including eye care. A more intuitive replacement schedule resonates because it syncs with other weekly tasks and naturally reduces cognitive load. More intuitive schedules don’t take up as much of patients’ mental capacity, making their lives easier. Your next step: start the conversation. By checking in with contact lens wearers, frequently assessing their real-time needs, and adopting practices that serve those best interests, you’ll be well-positioned to recommend replacement schedules that align. And that leads to satisfied, loyal patients, now and in the future. References: 1. Alcon data on file, 2023. 2. Dumbleton et al, Patient and Practitioner Compliance With Silicone Hydrogel and Daily Disposable Lens Replacement in the United States Eye & Contact Lens, 2009 3. Dumbleton et al, Compliance with Contact Lens Replacement in Canada and the United States, Optometry and Vision Science, 2010 4. Dumbleton et al. The relationship between copliance with lens replacement and contact lens-related problems in silicone hydrogel wearers. Contact Lens & Anterior Eye. 34(5):2011; 216-222. 5. Alcon data on file, 2023. 6. Luensmann et al, Kinetic Deposition of Polar and Nonpolar Lipids on Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses. Current Eye Research, 2020 7. Jones L, Brennan NA, Gonzalez-Meijome J et al., The TFOS International Workshop on Contact Lens Discomfort: Report of the Contact Lens Materials, Design, and Care Subcommittee. Inv Ophth & Vis Sci, 2013. 8. Subbaraman et al, Kinetics of Lysozyme Activity Recovered from Conventional and Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lens Materials. J of Biomat Sci, 2010. 9. Dumbleton, et al. Compliance with Lens Replacement and the Interval between Eye Examinations. Optom Vis Sci 2013; 90:351-358 THE INTUITIVE ONE EMPOWERING PATIENTS WITH A MORE INTUITIVE REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE The industry has spoken: 82%* of optometrists surveyed agreed shorter contact lens schedules are a better choice for their patients.1 ©2025 Alcon CLUSTER-NORD-VC-2500001
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