Formulary

11.9 Contact lenses

First Line
Second Line
Specialist
Hospital Only

Contact lens solutions are not allowed on FP10.

Acanthamoeba keratitis, a sight-threatening condition, is associated with ineffective lens cleaning and disinfection or the use of contaminated lens cases. The condition is especially associated with the use of soft lenses.

Special care is required in prescribing eye preparations for contact lens users. Some drugs and preservatives in eye preparations can accumulate in hydrogel lenses and may induce toxic reactions. Therefore, unless medically indicated, the lenses should be removed before instillation and not worn during the period of treatment. Ointment preparations and oily eye drops should be used following specialist advice in conjunction with contact lens wear. Many drugs given systemically can also have adverse effects on contact lens wear – refer to BNF for details