Knowledge and Practice of Contact Lens Users in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Contact lenses (CLs) are temporary prosthetic devices designed to fit directly on the cornea and are commonly used to correct refractive errors. Since CLs are easily accessible, the users might lack the basic knowledge of the safety and complications of such products. Investigating the patterns and behaviors related to using CLs can identify the factors that potentially play a role in developing complications. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and utilization of lens care products among CL wearers. Subject and methods This observational cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among women using an online survey. The questionnaire includes demographic characteristics, knowledge, practices, reasons, causes, and side effects of CLs. Results Of the 393 women, 68.4% were aged between 18 and 30 years. The most common source of CL information was a social circle (27%). Interestingly, parties and occasions were the most influencing factors (83.7%), while dryness of the eyes was the most common side effect (52.2%). According to the result, the rate of regular CL wearers was 16% and significant predictors of regular CL wearers were wearing CL due to medical and cosmetic reasons. Conclusion The use of CLs was common in women living in the Eastern Province. Independent predictors of regular CL use were eyeglass use, wearing of CL for cosmetic and medical purposes, and sleeping with CL, while dryness of the eye could be the most critical risk factor for daily use of CL. Prospective studies in nature are needed to determine its cause and effect.