Factors in the success of new contact lens wearers

During the first year of CL wear, the overall retention rate for neophyte CL wearers was 74% (spherical CLs 79%, torics 73%, multifocals 57%), with many lapsing during the first 2 months. Factors associated with retention and dropout in these patients include: lens power, material and type, and purchase frequency. While handling and comfort are the most commonly cited performance-related reasons for discontinuing in new spherical lens wearers, visual problems are the most common among new wearers of toric and, in particular, multifocal CLs.