Abstract

Objectives: To shed the light on the attitude and knowledge related to contact lenses care among medical students using contact lenses, as well as investigate the reasons, hygienic practices, and complications associated with usage of contact lenses. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study design conducted from 2021 to 2022. Data were collected via a previously validated, close-ended questionnaire targeting all students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAUHS), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. SPSS program version 22 was used in data analysis. Results: A total of 301 students were enrolled in the study, the prevalence of CLs users was 45%. Females and senior-year students had the highest prevalence compared to others (66.4%), (27.9%) respectively. Most of the wearers (35.5%) used daily lenses. The main reason of wearing contact lens was visual correction (46.1%), followed by both cosmetic and visual correction reason. Several improper CLs hygienic practices were reported; as using makeup with contact lenses (88.7%), exceeding the period required for renewal (52.1%) not replacing the cleaning solution (44.4%), and showering (10.6%) with CLs. However, majority of the participants (90.1%) have never shared lenses. Acute red eye (38.5%) dry eye (34.2%) were the commonest CLs related complications. Conclusion: A relatively high prevalence and adequate level of knowledge of CLs usage were reported in the present study. However, some unhygienic behaviors were reported that could increase incidence of CLs related complications. More education and awareness of proper lens wear and care is crucial to avoid and reduce such complications.

Keywords: Contact lenses; Prevalence; Hygienic practices; Complications; Eye infections.