KNOWLEDGE, COMPLIANCE AND COMPLICATION OF CONTACT LENS USAGE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA MEDICAL CENTRE

Abstract

Non-compliance to hygienic practices in contact lens wear is regarded as a significant risk factor for contact lens-related complications. Non-compliant behaviour continues to prevent efforts to improve contact lens safety despite advancements in lens materials and care solutions. The objective of this study was to identify the association between knowledge, compliance and complications of contact lens wear. A cross-sectional design was used and contact lens users among medical faculty students were identified and recruited via convenience sampling throughout October 2013 to March 2014. A total of 36 close-ended questions that focused on knowledge level, compliance to standard contact lens practice, and experience of complications were administered. A total of 188 respondents, majority of females (89.4%; n=168) participated in this study. Although majority had good knowledge level (68.1%; n=128) on care and usage of contact lens while only a small number having moderate knowledge (26.6%; n=50) and poor knowledge (5.3%; n=10), most of them were partially compliant (74.5%; n=140) to the recommended contact lens practices. However, a small group was found to be fully compliant (24.4%; n=46) and the rest being non-compliant (1.1%; n=2). There was a significant association between knowledge on contact lens usage and compliance level to standard practices (p=0.0003). In addition, a significant association also existed between compliance level to recommended practices and risk of complications from contact lens usage (p=0.023). Findings of this study showed the positive association between knowledge of contact lens usage and compliance to recommended practices and negative association between knowledge of contact lens usage and complications experienced by contact lens users. By providing basic knowledge on contact lens care and usage via education, improvement on compliance and enhancement of safety of contact lens wear could invariably be achieved.