Clinical Scorecard: Contact Lenses 2025
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Condition | Myopia and ocular surface disease |
| Key Mechanisms | Use of soft contact lenses including silicone hydrogel, specialty lenses (torics, multifocals, scleral, custom soft, orthokeratology, hybrids) |
| Target Population | Contact lens wearers including children and teens for myopia control |
| Care Setting | Optometry and ophthalmology practices, including specialty contact lens fitting |
Key Highlights
- 2025 saw slower global contact lens market growth (~4% y/y) compared to previous years due to macroeconomic uncertainty and purchasing behavior changes.
- First spectacle lens for myopia control approved in the US in 2025, potentially altering standard of care for pediatric patients.
- Silicone hydrogel lenses dominate fittings (66%), with increasing practitioner optimism for growth in daily disposables and specialty lenses in 2026.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Identify candidates for myopia control, especially children and teens.
- Assess ocular surface disease for appropriate contact lens selection.
Management
- Consider daily disposable lenses and specialty lenses (torics, multifocals, scleral) for improved patient outcomes.
- Incorporate new spectacle lenses for myopia control as part of pediatric management.
- Offer rebates and flexible purchasing options to encourage adherence.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regularly monitor contact lens wearers for fit, comfort, and ocular health.
- Track uptake and penetration rates of daily silicone hydrogel and specialty lenses.
Risks
- Economic factors may influence patient purchasing behavior and adherence.
- Potential challenges in transitioning established wearers to daily disposables.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Predominantly adult contact lens wearers with growing pediatric myopia control segment
Practitioners report 46% of patients wear contact lenses; 61% purchase lenses from practices, with increasing online purchases. Specialty lenses and daily disposables show growth potential.
Clinical Best Practices
- Prioritize fitting silicone hydrogel lenses due to their prevalence and patient acceptance.
- Emphasize specialty lens options such as scleral and custom soft lenses for complex cases.
- Stay informed on new myopia control modalities including spectacle lenses.
- Encourage patient adherence through flexible purchasing options and education.
- Monitor market and practice trends to anticipate changes in patient preferences.
References
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
