Professional paper
Compliance among Soft Contact Lens Wearers
Tomislav Kuzman
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Marija Barišić Kutija
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Masnec
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Sonja Jandroković
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Danijela Mrazovac
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Darija Jurišić
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Škegro
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Miro Kalauz
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Rajko Kordić
; Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Contact lens compliance is proven to be crucial for preventing lens wear- related complications because of the interdependence
of the steps in lens care regime and their infl uence on lens system microbial contamination. Awareness of the
patients’ lens handling compliance as well as correct recognition of non-compliant behaviours is the basis for creating
more targeted strategies for patient education. The aim of this study was to investigate compliance among soft contact
lens (SCL) wearers in different aspects of lens care handling and wearing habits. In our research 50 asymptomatic lens
wearers fi lled out a questionnaire containing demographic data, lens type, hygiene and wearing habits, lenses and lens
care system replacement schedule and self-evaluation of contact lens handling hygiene. We established criteria of compliance
according to available manufacturer’s recommendations, prior literature and our clinical experience. Only 2 (4%) of
patients were fully compliant SCL wearers. The most common non-compliant behaviours were insuffi cient lens solution
soaking time (62%), followed by failure to daily exchange lens case solution and showering while wearing lenses. 44% of
patients reported storing lenses in saline solution. Mean lens storage case replacement was 3.6 months, with up to 78%
patients replacing lens case at least once in 3 months. Average grade in self evaluating level of compliance was very good
(4±0.78) (from 1-poor level of hygiene to 5-great level of hygiene). Lens wearers who reported excessive daily lens wear and
more than 10 years of lens wearing experience were also found to be less compliant with other lens system care procedures.
(t= –2.99, df=47, p<0.0045 and t= –2.33, df= 48, p<0.024, respectively). Our study indicates that almost all patients had
some degree of non-compliance in lens system maintenance steps. Most common non-compliant behaviours were the ones
that are crucial for maintaining lens sterility and preventing infection. Despite the low objective compliance rate, self
grading was relatively high. Therefore, these results indicate the need for patient education and encouragement of better
lens wearing habits and all of the lens maintenance steps at each patient visit.
Keywords
contact lens; compliance; non-compliance; case replacement; lens care
Hrčak ID:
147440
URI
Publication date:
26.12.2014.
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