A survey of contact lens users: Adherence to care guidelines and knowledge of microbial keratitis risk.

BACKGROUND

Contact lenses are widely used for cosmetic and refractive purposes. Proper usage and hygiene are critical to preventing ocular complications like microbial keratitis (MK). This study aims to assess the level of awareness and practices regarding contact lens use and hygiene among a sample population.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 434 contact lens users. Data on demographic factors, reasons for contact lens use, duration and frequency of use, types of lenses, hygiene practices, and awareness of MK were collected and analyzed. Statistical associations between awareness, practices, and various demographic and usage factors were examined using chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Most participants were 18-25 years old (248, 57.1 %) and female (393, 90.6 %). The primary reason for contact lens use was cosmetic (216, 49.8 %), followed by refractive purposes (116, 27.4 %). Most participants used soft regular contact lenses (385, 88.7 %) for 5-8 h daily (248, 57.1 %) and had been using them for 1-5 years (163, 37.6 %). Confidence in contact lens care knowledge was high, with (120, 27.6 %) being "Extremely confident." A significant portion (319, 73.5 %) had adequate awareness of MK, with females exhibiting higher awareness levels than males (p = 0.000). Good hygiene practices were reported by (425, 97.9 %) of participants, though gaps in specific practices like rubbing lenses during cleaning (243, 56.0 %) were noted. There was a significant association between high confidence in lens care knowledge and adequate awareness of MK (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The study highlights good hygiene practices among contact lens users, though awareness of MK varies. Female users and those with higher confidence in lens care knowledge showed better awareness and practices. Targeted educational initiatives can further enhance awareness and proper practices to prevent MK and other complications associated with contact lens use.