Survey to Determine Perceptions and Practices in Contact Lens Use and Identify Key Features of Safe Use Education

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Refractive errors are common, leading many to seek vision correction with eyeglasses or contact lenses (CLs).
• Understanding consumer motivations and challenges with CL use is vital for promoting eye health and safety.
• Current educational strategies for safe CL use may not adequately address consumer needs and perceptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate consumer tendencies and behaviors related to contact lens (CL) use.
• To identify common reasons for choosing CLs and associated problems encountered by users.
• To inform the development of targeted educational messages and public awareness campaigns for safe CL practices.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 917 individuals in Ankara, Turkey, who used eyeglasses and/or CLs for refractive error correction.
• The survey evaluated reasons for CL selection, experienced CL-related issues, and perceptions of safe CL use education and regular eye check-ups.
• Data from 836 completed survey forms were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Most participants were young adults (18-30 years), university students, and female. A significant portion of eyeglass users had never tried CLs (64.6%), while 17.7% used them regularly.
• CL users reported higher satisfaction (4.15/5) compared to eyeglass users (3.11/5), often initiating CL use due to dislike of glasses (78.6%).
• Common CL complaints included dry eye and evening discomfort. Most participants sought ophthalmologist visits only when needed (61.7%), and ophthalmologists were the primary source of CL education (55.5%).

Conclusions:

• Inaccurate information regarding CL use can jeopardize eye health.
• Physician-supervised education and media-driven awareness campaigns with clear messages on CL usage, safety, and proper care are recommended.
• Addressing consumer tendencies and providing accurate information can improve public health outcomes related to contact lens wear.