Abstract

CONTACT LENS USER NON-COMPLIANCE TO LENS CARE: UNDERSTANDING THE REASONS

Mr. Prasant D. Jadav*, Mrs. Vishakha Hastak, Ms. Shikha Mehta

ABSTRACT

Research Objective: Study was done to identify reasons for the non-compliance of lens users. A questionnaire was administered to understand attitudes of lens user towards lens care and hygiene. The present study was aimed to achieve the following objective- To identify the awareness about lens, lens care and to check compliance of user about hygiene. To analyze reasons for noncompliance. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study.120 contact lens users from Pune, were identified and were administered a questionnaire about the different aspects of contact lens wear that covered all study objectives. Results: Among all the contact lens users 58.33% were using these contact lenses for refractive errors. 41.7% of the occasional users used them for cosmetic purposes. 40% of students were using extended wear lenses. Regular/Daily users were comparatively 60%. A small but alarming percentage (3%) of the lens users for corrective purpose was found to be drop-out due to higher cost. A significant number (10%) of students were not washing their hands before handling contact lenses. Many (60%) of them were facing problems at some stage which included irritation, (16%), redness and pain, blurring (4%), and amongst all (2%) don‟t have any side effects. Conclusion: Many respondents are unaware of proper care and handling of contact lenses. Some of them are unaware of the potential complications associated with contact lens use. Even those who are aware, still ignore proper handling and wearing schedule of contact lenses.

Keywords: Awareness, Contact Lens, Complications.