A relatively large fraction of the Canadian population requires corrective lenses to obtain optimal vision. While many of these individuals choose to wear eyeglasses, an increasing number are being fitted with contact lenses. The recent technological advances in the contact lens industry have greatly increased the options available to the contact lens wearer. Furthermore, certain eye conditions make it difficult for some contact lens wearers to switch freely between their contact lenses and spectacles. This raises the question of whether it is permissible, or prudent, to allow students (and teachers!) to wear contact lenses in the science classroom or laboratory.
The intent of this article is to provide the information needed to make an informed decision on whether teachers and their students should be allowed to wear contact lenses in the science laboratory/classroom.