This year’s American Eye-Q Survey by the American Optometric Association (AOA) reveals that contact lens wear and care differ among generations. The survey examined lens habits among four generations: the traditionalist or silent generation (1925-1945), baby boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1977) and Generation Y (1978-1994).
Younger generations were found to follow contact lens wear and care instructions most diligently. Forty three percent of respondents from Generation Y replace their daily disposable contact lenses as directed, compared to 33 percent of baby boomers.
Generation Y respondents were also the most likely to store and replace their contact lens case as directed. Nearly half reported replacing their lens case every one to three months, while only 28 percent of baby boomers reported doing so.
According to the AOA, all age groups can improve their habits for cleaning contact lenses. Nearly one third of all respondents use rewetting drops to clean or disinfect lenses. Nineteen percent of Generation X, 22 percent of Generation Y and 8 percent of baby boomers use water to soak or clean their lenses.
However, the AOA stated that water and rewetting drops do not disinfect contact lenses, and water can potentially contaminate lenses. It’s important to clean and rinse lenses properly each day to remove films and deposits, as well as disinfect lenses.
