[Pediatric contact lens users in public and private services: comparative analysis].

PURPOSE To analyze the indications, type and complications of contact lens use and visual acuity in children, in ophthalmological, public and private, services. METHODS The information from the medical records of 59 contact lens users at a private service (Hospital de Olhos de Pernambuco - Recife - PE- Brazil - group 1), and 43 at public service (Fundação Altino Ventura - Recife - PE - Brazil - group 2), was analyzed. The collected data included: demographic information; age at first examination; indication of lens use; contact lens type; complications and visual acuity. RESULTS The most common indications of contact lenses in group 1 were: ametropia (55.9%), anisometropia (18.6%) and esotropia (16.9%). In this group leukoma and phthisis were not present. In group 2 the most common indications were: anisometropia (23.2%), ametropia (18.6%), leukoma (18.6%) and phthisis (16.3%). Esotropia was not found in group 2. The most prescribed contact lens was soft and of permanent use in group 1 (45.8%) and in group 2 (32.6%). The most frequent complication in group 1 was discomfort (33.3%) and in group 2 was the loss of the lens (60%). CONCLUSIONS The most frequent indication in private services was ametropia and anisometropia in the public ones. The type of lens mostly prescribed in both groups was soft and of permanent use. The most frequent complication in group 1 was discomfort and in group 2 loss of the lens. The visual acuity was the same in the majority of the patients.