Research on the Current Status of Contact Lenses in Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present points of improvement data in developing a public educational approach for the correct understanding and use of contact lenses with a focus on the actual condition of wearing contact lenses, side effects and problem of circulation. METHODS: The questionnaires were distributed to contact lens wearers of 175 local clinics, 75 universities and general hospitals and 202 opticians were interviewed. RESULTS: This survey showed that many respondents had incorrect knowledge about contact lenses (purchase, prescription, complication, method of contact lens use), including persons who are not optometrists handling contact lenses. CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide pre-education is necessary for the correct understanding and purchase, prescription, and side effects of contact lenses, as well as to prohibit opticians from illegally prescribing the lenses; ophthalmologists should prescribe all contact lenses for proper vision correction.

A Comparison of Clinical Results in Unilateral and Bilateral Cataract Surgerys

PURPOSE: This study compares the outcomes of unilateral cataract surgery to those of bilateral cataract surgery in patients with cataract of both eyes. METHODS: Among a total of 153 patients, 61 underwent unilateral surgery and 92 bilateral surgery. RESULTS: The unilateral and bilateral surgeries were similar in demographic and ocular characteristics including visual acuity and visual function-14, except patient-reported factor, such as trouble with vision at baseline. The patient-reported factor was more serious in bilateral surgery than in unilateral surgery. The changes of three outcomes were associated not with unilateral eye or bilateral eye surgery, but with each baseline condition. CONCLUSION: The patient-reported factors such as symptom score, trouble with vision were the significant outcomes to decide unilateral or bilateral surgery in patients with cataract of both eyes. The result of unilateral or bilateral surgery did not affect the outcomes of cataract surgery after 12 months.