Knowledge and practice regarding contact lens among Saudi urban contact lens users

Awareness and Attitude Regarding Contact Lens Use Among Female Students at the University of Bisha: A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

Given the growing popularity of contact lenses among female students in Saudi Arabia for various reasons including vision correction as well as aesthetic and therapeutic purposes, it is essential to understand the knowledge about them, their uses, and how to handle them, given their significance in healthcare.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was utilized in this research, employing data from a sample of 413 female students at the University of Bisha. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and were ensured anonymity.

RESULTS

The study results showed that 52.9% (n=218) had a good knowledge level while 47.1% (n=195) had poor knowledge about contact lenses use. The results established a statistically significant association between region, faculty, and study year (p<0.005) with p-values of 0.002, 0.001, and 0.005, respectively, and level of knowledge about contact lens use. There was no statistically significant association between the age of the participants and the level of knowledge about contact lens use.

CONCLUSION

Although there was a generally good level of awareness about contact lens use among female students, there is still insufficiency in knowledge with regard to particular aspects such as cleaning the contact lenses and contact lens cover. The study finds the need for more ocular educational sessions with ophthalmologists to increase awareness about contact lenses.

Profile of contact lens prescribing in GCC countries

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report the pattern of contact lens prescribing from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

METHODS

Optometrists in the GCC region were contacted to participate in a web-based survey hosted on Qualtrics XM (Provo, Utah, USA). The survey methodology was adapted from the International Contact Lens Prescribing Consortium, and participants were asked to report their last five lens fits. It collected information on practitioner demographics (age, gender, nationality, qualification, country of practice, and number of years of experience), CL user demographics (age and gender) and on lens specific details such as lens type, lens design, lens material, replacement plan, and modality of lens wear. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse and report the data.

RESULTS

This study reports 739 contact lens fits by 174 practitioners from six GCC countries. The average age of the patients was 29.72 ± 9.07 (Mean ± SD) years and 64 % of them were females. The majority (80.2 %) were fitted with soft contact lenses, with 59 % preferring silicone hydrogels, 20 % wearing them for cosmetic purposes and nearly half of them disposed of their lenses daily (55 %). Among the RGP lenses, 41 % were scleral lenses. This survey demonstrated a greater proportion of new lens fits (55 % vs. 37 %), disposable hydrogel lens use (21 % vs. 13 %), and a preference for cosmetic contact lenses (20 % vs. 4 %) compared to the international data.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of CL prescriptions in the GCC region closely resembled the global trend. The survey observed a higher preference towards frequent replacement soft lenses, a greater proportion of silicone hydrogel lenses, a higher percentage of rigid lens fits, a greater affinity for cosmetic contact lenses, and a higher percentage of new fits. These trends suggest that contact lens prescription habits in the region are likely to continue evolving in the future.

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.

Compliance to contact lens wear and care among Jordanian adults

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate compliance to contact lens (CL) wear and care routines among adults in Jordan.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire administered by an interviewer was conducted among adults in Jordan between the months of May and July of the year 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult (≥ 18 years) contact lens wearers attending work establishments, universities and shopping centers in the cities of Amman, Aqaba and Irbid in Jordan.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Compliance to CL wear and care in addition to CL hygiene habits were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 834 (600 women) participants were included in the study with an age range of 18 to 55 years (average; 25.49 ± 7.75). Soft spherical CLs for myopia correction were worn by 45.6% of the sample, followed by cosmetic CLs (CCL) (43%). Highest compliance rate (99%) was calculated for not sharing CL with others and the lowest rate (24%) was for cleaning the CL case, with an average compliance rate of 72.25% for the sample with all habits surveyed. Medium compliance rates were related to following instructions of CL solution use including avoiding using expired solution or avoiding topping off. Risk factors for non-compliant behaviors included CCL wear, purchasing CL from beauty centers and being 25 years of age or younger.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study which was performed in a non-clinical setting showed that women and young adults comprise the majority of CL wearers in Jordan. Participants were compliant with most CL wear and care behaviors except for cleaning the CL case and attending aftercare visits. Many CL wearers also reported purchasing lenses from beauty centers and online without consulting CL practitioners. There is a need for patient education regarding the hygiene of the CL case, and the necessity for consulting the CL practitioner for the appropriate type of CL including proper wear and care regimen.

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.

Compliance with contact lens care and factors driving noncompliance in health-care students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess compliance to contact lens care behaviors and determine common factors influencing noncompliance among a population of university students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This is an observational, cross-sectional study in which a previously validated self-administered questionnaire consisting of 12 questions addressing compliance to contact lens wear and care was E-mailed through the university message center.

RESULTS

A total of 388 participants completed the questionnaire. Of those who completed the survey, 150 were contact lens users with an experience of 1 month or more. The average compliance rate to contact lens care was around 66%. High levels of compliance were reported in sharing contact lenses, sleeping with contact lenses, showering/swimming with contact lenses, and using water to clean contact lenses. Moderate levels of compliance were shown in overuse of contact lenses, adherence to instructions of lens cleaning, cleaning the lens case, and adherence to aftercare visits. The lowest levels of compliance were noted in washing hands before lens use and lens case replacement. Gender, smoking, contact lens experience, type and modality of contact lens usage, and contact lens purchase site were found to have a significant association with behaviors showing poor compliance. Believing there is no harm in wearing lenses for longer than the recommended replacement schedule was the primary reason given for overusing contact lenses.

CONCLUSION

Moderate levels of compliance were generally reported by respondents, necessitating the need for better strategies to reinforce the importance of compliance to contact lens care in the Saudi population.

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.

Determining the information needs of contact lens wearers for better education and more support: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Designing educational interventions tailored to the needs of Contact Lens Wearers (CLWs) are important and necessary. The present study aimed to determine the information needs of CLWs to educate and provide information to them to increase their knowledge and reduce complications and non-compliance behaviors.

METHODS

A qualitative approach was applied and semi-structured interviews were conducted in three contact lenses (CL) clinics in Iran among all their practitioners and 24 purposively selected patients. Data were analyzed using the Lundman and Graneheim conventional content analysis.

RESULTS

The qualitative analysis revealed knowledge and skill themes as two main categories. The knowledge category includes five subcategories of basic information for the CLWs, acquaintance with the CL, caring for CL, hygiene and vigilance of CL, and challenges of using CL. The skill category consists of two subcategories, including handling/insertion and removal of the CL, and stabilization of learned information. Moreover, 36 sub-subcategories emerged from these seven subcategories that reflected the information needs of CLWs.

CONCLUSIONS

A clear understanding of CLWs' information needs can help to design and develop appropriate educational approaches to overcome training barriers such as physicians' time constraints and high workload. Moreover, it can help deal with CLWs' insufficient knowledge and provide the required information simply and practically with the possibility of enough repetition.

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.