Findings of a local survey of contact lens awareness and compliance in Saudi Arabia

Session Details

Session Title: Paediatric Ophthalmology & Other Topics

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 25/09/2018 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 10:12

Venue: Room A3, Podium 2

First Author: : W.Aalam SAUDI ARABIA

Co Author(s): :    A. Mousa   M. Alharbi   M. Alrehaili   A. Alharbi   Y. Alharbi   R. Badawi     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

The study aims to determine the knowledge level and compliance of Saudi CL users to the instructions of CL wear and care.

Setting:

Data were collected via an online survey based on a quantitative questionnaire.

Methods:

Multiple choice questions were developed to assess the awareness and compliance regarding using contact lenses in Saudi Arabia. The respondents belonged to a different age and educational categories. The obtained data were analyzed anonymously. Statistical analysis was conducted to detect potential associations between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and the knowledge and awareness levels of the respondents.

Results:

Among 1010 CL wearers (96.6% females),71% claimed to have the required care knowledge, 43.7% reported an incidence of CL-related complications (mostly microbial keratitis). Only 24.3% reported complete adherence to the safety instructions. Meanwhile, 78.6% agreed on the risk of bathing during CL wear,4% reported bathing with their CL, while (2.3%) admitted washing their CL with tap water. The majority (95.3%) agreed that CL disinfecting solution is the appropriate cleaning method. Very few 11% reported unchanging the solution. However, 94.7% reported that it is important to regularly change it. Knowledge and awareness of participants were highly associated with the educational level.

Conclusions:

The findings showed a relatively higher level of knowledge about CL care system among Saudi users, but a significant proportion exhibited a non-compliance with CL care instructions.

Financial Disclosure:

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