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October 1, 2000

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Question from Florida, USA:

My 14 year old son has had type 1 for about four years and wears glasses for nearsightedness. He would like to try contact lenses. Which type is best suited for a person with diabetes?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Having diabetes is not a contraindication to wearing contacts. People with diabetes, especially if not controlled, may have a slower healing rate and a loss of sensitivity which can contribute to contact lens related insult to the cornea and potential infection and ulcer. I would not recommend the overnight lenses, extended wear. Conservative wearing time, say 8 to 10 hours. per day, proper regular follow-ups, and strict compliance with lens care may be more important then the “soft” versus “firm/hard” question. Soft lenses are least likely to cause lens related mechanical trauma but can more likely mask any mild trauma developing. Gas perm hard lenses may be more likely to contribute to mechanical trauma, but contribute less to the dampening of sensitivity of the cornea and are less likely to mask any developing problem, which is good for early intervention. Patient compliance and a provider committed to detail, good fit, not the cheapest deal, and service is your best bet.

Everything being equal, gas permeable firm lenses are physiologically more compatible with the cornea and from that viewpoint would be the better choice.

CAG