Four different types of client attitudes towards purchasing spectacles in optometric practice

Attitude toward refractive error surgery and other correction methods: A cross-sectional study

Background

Refractive errors are the most common vision problem and prove to be a significant health issue. There are several methods for correction of refractive errors including spectacles, contact lenses and refractive surgery. Nowadays, the reliance on contact lenses and glasses is decreased by means of refractive eye surgery. Our study aimed to determine the awareness of refractive surgery among undergraduate medical students and their preferred method of refractive error correction.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among a sample size of 374 medical students at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in June–August 2020. Data were collected through a questionnaire which consisted of 20 questions to assess the demographics, awareness about refractive surgery and preferred method of correction. The data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed by SPSS version 21.

Results

Our results showed that 177 of participants had refractive errors. Most participants complained of myopia (66.7%) and the most preferred correction method was spectacles (45.8%). Among users of spectacles, 53.7% found the spectacles comfortable due to ease of use. Majority of the students (92.1%) were aware of refractive surgery and 73% of them were willing to undergo refractive surgery. Many obtained their information regarding these procedures from family and friends (55.1%). The remaining refused to undergo surgery and the primary reason was fear of the complications of the procedure (14.1%).

Conclusion

Though corrective refractive surgery is a commonly performed procedure, extensive knowledge regarding this correction method and its complications is poor among medical students. The results showed that the majority have heard of refractive surgery, however, fear of undergoing surgery was still present. We suggest that refractive error correction surgery be taught by physicians during Ophthalmology rotations so that knowledge may be gained from more reliable sources.

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Though corrective refractive surgery is a commonly performed procedure, proper knowledge regarding this correction method is poor among medical students.

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Spectacles were the most common correction method used, followed by both spectacles and contact lenses.

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The results of our study demonstrate that most students are aware of refractive surgery but there is still a moderate willingness to undergo refractive surgery mostly due to fear of complications.

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Most of the participants reported that family and friends were their main source of knowledge.

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We recommend refractive surgical correction methods be introduced by physicians in Ophthalmology rotations during medical school and provide students with more information about the safety and efficacy of these surgeries.

A survey on knowledge and attitude of Saudi female students toward refractive correction

BACKGROUND

To assess the general knowledge and attitude of refractive error correction methods among female Saudi university students.

METHODS

One thousand, one hundred and sixty-five female university students, between 17 and 32 years of age were randomly interviewed using self-administered questionnaires with open and closed-ended questions. The questions collected information on demographics (gender, age, educational status, college of study, and occupation), addressed general knowledge/perception of the difference between the professions of ophthalmology and optometry, and attitudes toward spectacle, contact lens (CL) usage, including coloured prescription CLs, and refractive surgery for correcting refractive errors.

RESULTS

The response rate was 90 per cent (1,052/1,165). Fifty-two per cent had never had an eye examination and only 28 per cent correctly identified the difference between an 'ophthalmologist' and 'optometrist'. Eighty-one per cent knew that CLs instead of spectacles (81.8 per cent), and coloured CLs (89.7 per cent) can be used for correcting refractive errors. Concerning refractive surgery, although a majority (90 per cent) knew that the technique corrects refractive error and reduces dependency on spectacles/CLs, only five per cent had experienced refractive surgery. Approximately, 46 per cent and 47 per cent used spectacles and CLs, respectively, and while the optometrist was the main source of CL prescriptions (41 per cent), most people visited the ophthalmologist for their eye examination (68 per cent). Surprisingly, 52 per cent had never had an eye examination, or had only had one or two eye examinations (50 per cent) in their lifetime. While 23 per cent of spectacle wearers chose to continue with spectacles at the end of the study, 64 per cent and 12 per cent preferred refractive surgery and CLs, respectively, for refractive correction. Lack of information and fear of complications, but not cost, hindered most people from uptake of CLs and refractive surgery.

CONCLUSION

The students demonstrated high levels of knowledge and awareness of refractive correction methods, especially for refractive surgery. Although many consulted the optometrist or ophthalmologist for their eye examinations and corrective devices, many remain uncorrected and unaware of the main difference between both professions. The lack of information about correction methods and fear of complications may have affected their interest in uptake of eye services and should be addressed to increase uptake and prevent avoidable vision loss.

Long-term Results of Combined LASIK and Monocular Small-Aperture Corneal Inlay Implantation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of combined LASIK and small-aperture intracorneal inlay implantation (KAMRA; AcuFocus, Irvine, CA) for the surgical compensation of presbyopia and refractive errors.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of all ametropic, presbyopic patients who underwent combined LASIK and KAMRA inlay implantation at a single clinic. Demographic data and preoperative uncorrected and corrected monocular and binocular near and distance visual acuity (UNVA, UDVA, and CDVA) with manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) were collected and analyzed. All perioperative adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 132 patients were available (median age: 56 years; interquartile range (IQR) ± 5; range: 44 to 68 years). Median preoperative MRSE was +1.37± 1.20 diopters (D). The majority (113; 85%) were hypermetropic. Preoperative median UNVA improved from N24 (J13) ±6 to N6 (J5) ±1 by day 1 postoperatively, remaining stable throughout follow-up. At last follow-up, 97% of patients achieved UNVA of N5 (J3) or better. Median UDVA (implanted eye) improved from 20/40 (0.50 ± 0.41 on the decimal chart) preoperatively to 20/25 (0.80 ± 0.13) at month 12. Binocular UDVA was 20/20 in 88%, with CDVA unchanged for 84% at 12 months. No patient lost more than one line of CDVA. MRSE was also stable, albeit +0.25 D off-target refraction (-0.75 D). Two inlays were explanted due to suboptimal adaptation/corneal haze.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this follow-up study show that combined insertion of a small-aperture corneal inlay with LASIK in presbyopic patients improves near vision with a slight compromise in distance vision in the implanted eye. Overall, it appears to be a safe, effective procedure for the treatment of presbyopia. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(6):379-384.].

Spectacle design preferences among Chinese primary and secondary students and their parents: a qualitative and quantitative study

PURPOSE

To identify the specific characteristics making glasses designs, particularly those compatible with adjustable glasses, more or less appealing to Chinese children and their parents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Primary and secondary school children from urban and rural China with < = -1.00 diopters of bilateral myopia and their parents ranked four conventional-style frames identified by local optical shops as popular versus four child-specific frames compatible with adjustable spectacles. Scores based on the proportion of maximum possible ranking were computed for each style. Selected children and their parents also participated in Focus Groups (FGs) discussing spectacle design preference. Recordings were transcribed and coded by two independents reviewers using NVivo software.

RESULTS

Among 136 urban primary school children (age range 9-11 years), 290 rural secondary school children (11-17 years) and 16 parents, all adjustable-style frames (scores on 0-100 scale 25.7-62.4) were ranked behind all conventional frames (63.0-87.5). For eight FGs including 12 primary children, 26 secondary children and 16 parents, average kappa values for NVivo coding were 0.81 (students) and 0.70 (parents). All groups agreed that the key changes to make adjustable designs more attractive were altering the round lenses to rectangular or oval shapes and adding curved earpieces for more stable wear. The thick frames of the adjustable designs were considered stylish, and children indicated they would wear them if the lens shape were modified.

CONCLUSIONS

Current adjustable lens designs are unattractive to Chinese children and their parents, though this study identified specific modifications which would make them more appealing.

'I'd like to know what causes it, you know, anything I've done?' Are we meeting the information and support needs of patients with macular degeneration? A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To examine patients' experiences of information and support provision for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the UK.

STUDY DESIGN

Exploratory qualitative study investigating patient experiences of healthcare consultations and living with AMD over 18 months.

SETTING

Specialist eye clinics at a Birmingham hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

13 patients diagnosed with AMD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Analysis of patients' narratives to identify key themes and issues relating to information and support needs.

RESULTS

Information was accessed from a variety of sources. There was evidence of clear information deficits prior to diagnosis, following diagnosis and ongoing across the course of the condition. Patients were often ill informed and therefore unable to self-advocate and recognise when support was needed, what support was available and how to access support.

CONCLUSIONS

AMD patients have a variety of information needs that are variable across the course of the condition. Further research is needed to determine whether these experiences are typical and identify ways of translating the guidelines into practice. Methods of providing information need to be investigated and improved for this patient group.

Attitude and beliefs of Nigerian undergraduates to spectacle wear

BACKGROUND

Uncorrected refractive error is a common cause of preventable visual impairment. Glasses are the cheapest and commonest form of correction of refractive errors. To achieve this, patients must exhibit good compliance to spectacle wear. Patients' attitude and perception of glasses and eye health could affect compliance to spectacle wear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the attitude and beliefs of Nigerian undergraduates to spectacle wear.

METHOD

A cross sectional study of 500 undergraduates of the University of Benin, Nigeria. Age range was from 18 to 30 years, mean age 23 ± 2.7 years. There were 269 males and 231 females. Semi structured questionnaires were distributed to the participants and collected same day after completion.

RESULTS

Two-thirds (68%) of the total population studied had not heard of refractive error. About a third (38%) believed wearing eyeglasses was one of the methods used to correct refractive error. Half (50%) believed they would wear spectacles if prescribed with one by their doctor. Sixty-four percent believed eyeglasses are harmful to the eyes; and 65% did not know that eyeglasses could be used to relieve other forms of ocular discomfort like headache and tearing. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents saw people who wore eyeglasses as visually handicapped, while 60% believed that eyeglasses were meant for old people. Majority of the respondents (56%) believed that they would be teased if they wore glasses.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge of refractive errors and acceptance of glasses for the correction of refractive errors among Nigerian undergraduates is not encouraging. Public enlightenment programs to promote benefits of wearing prescribed spectacles are needed.