Hygiene first: Safe contact lens packaging, the front line in protection

For many of us, wearing contact lenses is part of a normal everyday routine. Whether they are the primary choice for sight correction or interchangeable with glasses, over 150 million people globally are estimated to use contact lenses regularly. Most of these consumers probably don’t pay much attention to the packaging of their lenses. But when it comes to ensuring safety and hygiene, the primary packaging – the part that contains the lens itself – is critical. Most of us are aware that our eyes are very sensitive - they can quickly become irritated and are vulnerable to infection. Contact lens wearers need to feel fully satisfied that their lenses are completely sterile in order to use them with confidence, as part of their regular routine.

In 2020, contact-lens use decreased. Lifestyle changes resulting from COVID-19, such as remote working and reduced socializing, are likely to be part of the reason. But there are indications that a heightened awareness of hygiene could also be a contributor. Greater attention to the importance of clean hands and minimising face-touching could mean that consumers have been turning away from contact lenses.

According to a survey by The Vision Council, back in March 2020, 32% of consumers surveyed said they would cancel their eye appointments until Covid-19 conditions improved. As we moved through the year there were growing indications that consumers were beginning to take appointments again, the extra precautions around safer environments began to make patients more comfortable with the face-to-face interactions between optician and patient. In August, the same survey showed that only 17.4% would cancel their appointment, with 41% attending (with extra precautions) – up from 24% in March.

For manufacturers and retailers of contact lenses, clear communication with consumers about how to use their contact lenses safely has always been essential. With the increased focus on limiting hand-to-face contact spurred by the pandemic certainly now is a good time to reemphasize proper hygiene when it comes to people’s eyes. So how can manufacturers and opticians begin to build confidence in contact lens usage once again?

Encouraging good personal hygiene practices

Brands can use on-pack messaging to help people take control and feel confident about their contact lens routine. Beyond the current pandemic, it will always be vital for consumers to take hygienic steps, such as washing their hands before inserting and removing lenses; using contact lens solutions and regularly exchanging their lens case.

For those who want the minimum effort in lens care, dailies offer a great solution. Now could be a great time for brands to highlight the low maintenance, high hygiene benefits of daily lenses.

Promoting the power of packaging

Letting people know that their lenses are produced and packaged in a way that guarantees them to be completely sterile may also help encourage people to continue or re-establish their usual contact lens use. Robust, safe packaging can help to ensure a level of confidence for the end user. By ensuring the packaging is secure, easy to open and mess free it can re-build peace of mind for the consumer.

Steril Up® is Amcor’s range of peelable lidding materials designed for high performance in the most demanding sterilization environments, especially ophthalmic applications. Steril Up® materials offer a high tear and puncture resistance to ensure product safety.

Features:

• Secure seal evidence - easy to recognize residual trace confirms the presence of a robust seal
• Easy opening - effortless opening mechanism maximizes consumer appeal
• Consistent and smooth peel ensures convenient opening; free of messy saline splashes

In 2020, consumer behaviours changed dramatically. Local lockdowns limited access to ophthalmic services and increased time at home resulted in more people switching to eye glasses. For many people however, contact lenses remain their preference and for others they offer an important alternative to glasses. Ensuring contact lens wearers feel safe and confident relies on the communication of good hygiene practice to consumers, alongside clear information about the safe and sterile way in which contact lenses are made and packaged.

To find out more about Amcor’s Ophthalmic packaging products, speak to one of our specialists.