What is often the best indicator of systemic health issues related to contact lens wear?

Patient-reported comfort levels serve as a valuable indicator of systemic health issues related to contact lens wear. This is primarily because discomfort from lens wear can be a sign of underlying health problems, such as allergies, dry eye syndrome, or more serious conditions affecting the ocular surface or even systemic health issues like autoimmune disorders. When patients report discomfort, it may signal that their body is reacting negatively to the contact lenses, which could be related to how the lenses interact with their overall health.

In contrast, refractive error history does not necessarily provide insights into systemic health, as it primarily reflects the visual acuity needs of the patient without indicating how the body might be responding to contact lens wear. The frequency of lens replacement is more pertinent to lens care and hygiene practices, rather than being a direct marker of systemic health. Variability in visual acuity while important for assessing lens fit and effectiveness does not inherently reflect the patient's health status and is not a direct measure of issues that may arise from systemic conditions. Therefore, patient-reported comfort levels are a crucial aspect of monitoring the overall health of contact lens wearers.