The epidemiology of contact lens related diseases in the United Kingdom.

This review evaluates the epidemiologic methods used to study contact lens related diseases in the United Kingdom. The results of these studies are compared to major US studies. The advantages and limitations of various epidemiologic study designs are discussed. The role of noncomparative cohort studies, particularly premarket studies, in underestimating lens related disease is examined. Descriptive studies and the difficulties related to their interpretation are also described. The use of case control studies for investigating both the risks and causes of lens related diseases is evaluated and compared to the cohort study design. The results of these studies in the investigation of the complications of contact lens wear, including keratitis, are summarized. Finally, the relevance of these findings to contact lens wearers and practitioners is explored.