Investigation of Contact Lens Use and Perception among Hospital Workers: A Survey on Contact Lens Use, Knowledge and Attitude among Hospital Workers

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the patterns of contact lens (CL) use and knowledge and attitude regarding the CL use among worker at a Kangwon National University Hospital.Methods: QA survey regarding the use of CL and CL-related knowledge and attitude were distributed over 2 month period starting in March, 2021 to Kangwon National University Hospital workers who had experience of CL use. The survey included questions regarding age, gender, occupation, type of CL, reason for wearing, period of use, purchase route, CL wearing pattern, complications, causative factors, and regular eye examination. The answer to each question was collected and analyzed.Results: One hundred and twelve participants completed the survey. The mean age was 30.1±5.8 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:2.6. Soft and cosmetic CLs comprised the majority (95.5%, 107/112). Most respondents (99.1%, 111/112) purchased their CL from an optical store or through internet without prescription. Only 71.4% (80/112) washed their hands when wearing and removing lenses. In many cases, respondents had incorrect knowledge about method of CL and lens case cleaning. Most respondents 99.1% (111/112) experienced complications like foreign body sensation, dry-eye, hyperemia, blurred vision, tearing, of which only 8.0% (9/112) received regular eye examinations.Conclusions: The study finding showed even hospital workers may have incorrect knowledge regarding use of CL. Although most CL user experienced complications regarding CL, only a small proportion of CL users are receiving regular eyeexamination. Education of CL users regarding the CL care and importance of regular eye examinations are therefore warranted.