The use of contact lenses among university students in Chengdu: Knowledge and practice of contact lens wearers

Prognostic indicators of corneal ulcer clinical outcomes at a tertiary care center in the Bronx, New York

PURPOSE

Corneal ulcers frequently result in ocular morbidity and may lead to permanent visual impairment if severe or untreated. This study aims to evaluate the association of patient factors and ocular exam findings on clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with a corneal ulcer at a tertiary care center in the Bronx, New York.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was conducted on all ambulatory and admitted patients diagnosed with a corneal ulcer (identified using ICD-10 code H16.0) at Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY between 2016-2022. Patient demographics, presence of known risk factors, characteristics of subsequent clinical course, and microbiological studies were noted. Clinical outcomes following treatment were longitudinally evaluated and categorized based upon the following criteria: 1) 'No Surgical Intervention': No severe complications or surgery required after presentation, 2) 'Surgical Intervention': Decline in BCVA with surgery required for a severe complication.

RESULTS

The search criteria identified 205 patients (205 eyes) with the diagnosis of a corneal ulcer. Mean age was 55.3 ± 21.1 years (mean ± SD). Mean ulcer area at presentation was 7 ± 10.5 mm2. Mean LogMAR at presentation was 1.2 ± 1, and following treatment, improved to 1.0 ± 1. 'Surgical Intervention' outcome was associated with advanced age (p = 0.005), presence of ocular surface disease (p = 0.008), central location of ulcer (p = 0.014), greater ulcer area at presentation (p = 0.003), worse visual acuity at presentation (p < 0.001), and isolation of fungi (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Identification of risk factors associated with a poor clinical prognosis can guide treatment and inform expectations for patients diagnosed with a corneal ulcer. Our study highlights the importance of timely diagnosis, work-up, and initiation of appropriate management, particularly in vulnerable populations where access to specialty care is logistically challenging.

Awareness and Hygiene Practices Among Contact Lens Wearers: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

Background More than 150 million individuals worldwide wear contact lenses (CL) for therapeutic as well as cosmetic purposes. Researchers have linked failure to adhere to CL care instructions with outbreaks of serious eye infections. In the current study, we assess the consequences of inadequate cleanliness as well as awareness of and adherence to appropriate CL hygiene. Methods This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in the Jazan region, southwest Saudi Arabia, during the period between October 2022 and April 2023. Results Out of a total of 718 participants, 391 (54.4%) were wearing CL. Of these, 318 (81.33%) CL wearers were female, while 73 (18.67%) were male. Among the CL wearers, 196 (50%) were aged 24 and younger. The overall knowledge was higher in females, with 320 (74.6%) having a high level of knowledge, compared to 195 (67.5%) males (p-value = 0.044). The level of knowledge was higher in those who had had an eye examination before using CL. Regarding practice, 202 (63.5%) females demonstrated better practices, while only 32 (43.8%) males did (p-value = 0.002). Variations in the adequacy of practice regarding CLs were identified according to the duration of CL use and the risk of suffering from eye dryness (p-values <0.05). Conclusions The participants' overall knowledge and practices were good. This should be encouraged by performing an eye examination before wearing CL and demonstrating good wearing habits in terms of hygiene behavior.

Use, Misuse, and Complications of Contact Lens Among the General Population of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess contact lens usage patterns, complications, knowledge levels, and the impact of psychological factors on misuse among the Saudi population.

METHODS

In this study, we distributed our questionnaire through multiple social media platforms among patients who are using cosmetic or medical contact lenses regardless of the purpose of wearing them. A total of 1,708 contact lens users participated.

RESULTS

Most participants were female (86.4%) and aged 21-40 years (65.7%). The purpose for usage was cosmetic (36.1%) or medical (28.7%), with some using them for both purposes (35.1%). Complications have been faced, with 26.3% experiencing issues due to lens usage, 56.8% facing visual problems, and 45.8% sometimes feeling discomfort with contact lens usage. Allergic reactions were reported by 35.2%. Higher knowledge levels were associated with participants aged 21-40 years (p = 0.009), irregular ophthalmologist visits (p = 0.032), and cosmetic use (p = 0.027). Better practice patterns were observed among urban residents (p = 0.049), higher-income earners (p = 0.002), cosmetic users (p < 0.001), and those with fewer complications (p < 0.001). Psychological factors significantly influenced misuse, with 15.4% of participants indicating its impact. Notably, a subset of these participants (16.2%) perceived prolonged wear of contact lenses as a manifestation of personal insecurity.

CONCLUSIONS

Several sociodemographic factors, including place of residence, income, and difficulty, influence the use of contact lenses. It is also necessary to consider psychological issues such as low self-esteem and social acceptance while encouraging the safe use of contact lenses.

Identifying the content, functionalities, and features of a mobile application for contact lens wearers

BACKGROUND

Lack of attention to end-users' requirements and preferences may lead to the failure of health information technology (IT) interventions. Identifying users' needs for designing a mobile application can lead to the development of an acceptable intervention. This study aimed to determine the requirements for designing a mobile application to educate and provide needed information to contact lens (CL) wearers.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted on 24 CL wearers and nine eye care practitioners from the three CL clinics in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the conventional content analysis proposed by Lundman and Graneheim. Lincoln and Guba's criteria were used to ensure the trustworthiness of the data.

RESULTS

The three main categories that emerged from the interviews were mobile application content, mobile application functionalities, and mobile application features. Ten subcategories and 57 sub-subcategories were also identified. It was determined that mobile content should focus on advice and information for optimizing the CL wearing experience and training regarding the use of CLs. Entering information required for self-care, computational capability, interactivity, updates, and reminders were determined as needed functionalities. The participants recommended features for the structure and user interface of the mobile application and information presentation methods.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the information needed to develop a mobile application for CL wearers. This also provides insights regarding required functionalities when applying IT interventions. These findings can be used by CL clinics, developers of health information systems, policymakers, and health planners to design better CL-related care and compliance interventions.

The attitude and awareness of contact lens use among medical students of King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Background:

Not many studies have investigated the knowledge outcomes among medical students with regards to contact lenses (CL). Thus, in this study, we aim to assess the attitude and awareness of CL use and the associated factors among medical students of King Faisal University (KFU), Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This a cross-sectional study that based developed based on a designed questionnaire that was composed of 31 questions with a maximum score of 57 points. We have also conducted a linear regression model to explore the possible important factors that may affect the level of knowledge and awareness about contact lenses care.

Results:

A total of 208 participants were included in this study, with a mean age of 21.0 ± 1.9, and 56.3% (n = 117) of them being females. The total mean knowledge score in our study was 30.1 ± 7.74, which was higher in females (31.5 ± 7.09) than in male participants (28.7 ± 7.69). The results of the linear regression model showed that being female (E = -0.37; 95%CI = -0.65— -0.10; P = 0.007), using contact lenses (E = 0.56; 95%CI = 0.29 — 0.82; P < 0.001), and in the third year (E = 0.66; 95%CI = 0.19— 1.13; P = 0.007) is significantly correlated with having higher knowledge scores about using CLs.

Conclusion:

Female participants had higher total mean knowledge scores than males. We recommend that further educational campaigns should be inaugurated to raise awareness about taking care of CLs and enhancing the related practices of wearing them.

Opportunities and threats to contact lens practice: A global survey perspective

AIM

To understand the views of contact lens (CL) practitioners across the globe regarding what they perceive as opportunities and threats in CL practice.

METHODS

A self-administered anonymised questionnaire, constructed in English and translated in six more languages, was distributed through reputed international professional bodies and academic institutions worldwide. The questionnaire included items on demographic characteristics, type of practice, and questions designed to explore practitioners' perspective on the future of their CL practice over the next five years.

RESULTS

A total of 2408 valid responses were analysed. Multifocal CLs for presbyopia, CLs for myopia control, use of daily disposable (DD) CLs for occasional wear, and biocompatible materials to improve comfort were identified as promising areas of opportunities by practitioners (all 8/10). Respondents from North America, and Europe valued DDCLs for occasional wear moderately more favourable (Median: 9/10 for all) as compared to colleagues in Asia (Median: 8/10, p < 0.001), South America (Median: 8/10, p < 0.01), and Africa (Median: 8/10p < 0.01). Multifocal CLs for presbyopia was perceived as a better opportunity by practitioners in North America and Europe (Median: 9/10 for both), as well as in Australasia (Median: 8/10), in comparison to Asia, Africa, and Middle East (for all Median: 6/10, p < 0.001). Practitioners expressed concerns about the availability of CLs and CL prescriptions online without direct professional involvement (both 9/10).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the most appealing opportunities for CL practice growth were identified in occasional use of DD CLs, biocompatible materials to reduce CL discomfort, multifocal CLs for presbyopia correction and management of myopia control with CLs. Lack of regulation in CL sales, especially online, seemed to be a constant threat. The insights from this study can be used to design targeted strategies to enhance CL practice across the globe and in specific geographical areas.

Characteristics, Behaviors, and Awareness of Contact Lens Wearers Purchasing Lenses Over the Internet

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics and hygiene habits of contact lens (CL) wearers who acquire CLs over the Internet, as well as their awareness of modifiable risk factors (RFs).

METHODS

A web-based survey was conducted among clients of an online CL sales platform during 6 months. Demographic data, CL hygiene-related awareness, and compliance were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The questionnaire was completed by 1,264 CL wearers: the average age was 40.8 years; most were women (71.1%), had myopia (76.4%), and wore monthly disposable CLs (63.6%). The frequency of eye examination was significantly lower among those buying the CL exclusively online (15.8% vs. 6.6%, P<0.001) and those who had begun CL use on their own (17.5% vs. 8.8%, P<0.001). Initiation to CL wear without the intervention of an eye care practitioner was more frequent in wearers with less experience. Common risk behaviors included water exposure (68.1% in swimming and 64.9% in the shower), use of the case (61.9%) and CL (65.1%) beyond the recommended replacement time, and reuse of the maintenance solution (31.9%). Ignorance of recommended hygiene increased the probability of risky behavior.

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in compliance or awareness of risks between those purchasing exclusively online and other CL wearers. However, the growing frequency of self-taught initiation in CL wear among less-experienced online customers and online exclusive purchase was associated with a decrease in eye examination frequency and therefore worse compliance and increased risks. This finding underlines the importance of publicizing correct hygiene habits by all possible means so as to increase compliance.

Contact lens procurement and usage habits among adults in Sudan

Objective

The study aimed to assess contact lens (CL) wear and care habits among adults in Sudan.

Design

An observational, non-interventional, multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted in the CL departments of all the eye hospitals and centers, and optical centers in the Khartoum State, Sudan.

Participants

Established CL wearers residing in Khartoum State, Sudan.

Main outcomes and measures

CL wear profile, CL usage habits, hand and CL hygiene habits were assessed using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Results

The average age of the 442 participants was 24.57 (± 4.87) years. Women comprised 92% of the sample. Smoking was reported by 15.8% of the sample. 81.9% wore soft spherical CL, with 43.4% of the participants were prescribed CL on a yearly replacement schedule. Only 68.3% were prescribed CL by an eye care practitioner. Multipurpose solutions were used by 78.8% of the sample to clean CL, and by 52% to clean the lens case. Compliance rate for CL wear and care among participants was 81.1%. None of the participants reported sharing CL or CL case and rinsing the case with tap water. High compliance level was observed for overnight wear; swimming and showering with CL; handwashing before CL insertion; and cleaning of CL. Moderate compliance rates were recorded for cleaning and replacing lens case, and topping up or sharing solution. Low compliance was noted for attending after care visits.

Conclusions and relevance

CL wearers in Sudan exhibit high to moderate levels of compliance to most contact lens wear and care aspects, except for attending aftercare visits. CL practitioners in Sudan are encouraged to prescribe CL appropriate to the lifestyle and economic situation of patients and actively recommend care products. In addition, practitioners need to follow up with patients to attend aftercare appointments, where hygienic wear and care habits should be emphasized.

Contact Lens Practices and Knowledge of Complications and its Association With Refractive Error in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

For optical, cosmetic, or therapeutic purposes, contact lenses (CLs) are temporary prostheses positioned on the eye. CLs do not only improve the quality of life by correcting, but also providing a better appearance and less activity restriction. Patients’ failure to comply with the hygienic practices prescribed in using CLs is often considered an important risk factor for eye complications and it is not often clarified to CLs consumers at the time of dispensation.

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practices towards the use of CLs in a sample of the Saudi population in Riyadh.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using an online questionnaire among adult residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from April to May of 2020. The statistical analysis was performed using R v 3.6.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Ordinal (Likert-scale) variables were summarized using mean ± standard deviation, or median and interquartile range (IQR) as needed.

Results

The majority of current users of CLs had no sight problem (P < 0.001). Using CLs was thought to be harmful in non-users (12.4%) versus CL users (2.93%) (P < 0.001). The main reason for using CLs in all groups was the emulation of others. Dryness was a well-known complication in current users (P < 0.05) and evening discomfort was a well-known one in previous users (P < 0.05). Social circle was the main source of information in 40% of users. High monthly income has a significant association with knowledge regarding the complications of CLs compared with low income (B = 0.94, P < 0.05). Education has a major effect on the users’ knowledge regarding the increase of refractive error and infection by CLs (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Knowledge and practice were less than desired among CLs users. Many use CLs without prescription and solely for cosmetic purposes. More education is needed to lessen eye complications among CLs users.

Profile, knowledge, and attitude of contact lens users regarding contact lens wear in Ghana

BACKGROUND

Contact lenses are gaining popularity in developing countries as an alternative to spectacles for the correction of refractive errors. It is needful, therefore, to generate information to guide the mode of practice, and assist the industry in developing products for the increasing contact-lenses-user population. The purpose of this study was to identify the demographic profile, as well as the knowledge, attitude to wear and care regimen of wearers of contact lenses in Ghana.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, case folders of 87 users of contact lenses were selected from the database eye contact lenses practices. The folders were reviewed for the demographic profile, type, and purpose for which the contact lenses were prescribed. Forty-two (42) contact lenses users were then randomly surveyed, using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information on their knowledge, lens wear regimen, and attitudes regarding lens hygiene. Chi-square test was used to test associations between demographics and lens wear variables.

RESULTS

Out of the 87 cases reviewed, 46 (52.9%) were females and 41 (47.1%) males. Their ages ranged from 15 to 68 years with a mean age of 28.62 ± 9.38 years. The majority- 65 (75%) - were youthful (≤ 40 years), with the highest proportion of them - 46 (53%) - being between 20-29 years. The majority - 60 (68.9%) - had a tertiary level of education. Soft contact lenses were commonly worn by 68 (78.2%) users while 19 (21.8%) wore rigid gas permeable lenses. The purpose for wearing contact lenses included for vision correction - 46 (52.9%), followed by for cosmesis - 23 (26.4%) - and therapeutic reasons -18 (20.7%). The commonest refractive error corrected was myopia - 38 (43.7%), followed by astigmatism -19 (21.8%) and hyperopia 6 (6.9%). Among the 42 users who responded to the questionnaire, by proportion, the majority -17 users (40.5%) - were introduced to contact lenses by optometrists. All respondents reported previous symptoms associated with the use of their contact lenses, but slightly more than half, 25 (57.1%) did yearly follow-up visits.

CONCLUSION

The majority of contact lenses used in Ghana are soft lenses, for the purpose of vision correction. The use of contact lenses was common among individuals in their early adulthood and those with tertiary education.