Attitude and behaviour of soft contact lens wearers toward compliance in Gauteng, South Africa

Abstract

Background: There are ongoing concerns regarding adherence to contact lens (CL) care regimens by wearers. Global studies evaluating behavioural trends have shown that full compliance to CL wear is rare and widespread non-compliance exists.

Aim: This study aimed to identify levels of compliance with recommended care regimens by probing the attitudes and behaviours of soft CL wearers.

Setting: Gauteng, South Africa

Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to pose questionnaires to CL wearers and optometrists. Data were collected quantitatively via convenience sampling.

Results: A total of (n = 171) CL participants responded, with more female (63%) than male (37%) wearers. Two-thirds (66%) used monthly lenses and (59%) knew when it was time to replace lenses. Of those, 72% did not know which brand of CLs they wore, while 74% were unsure of which multipurpose solution was used. Low levels of case hygiene were found with close to half (48%) never cleaning or disinfecting CL cases. It emerged that 77% of participants reported having received instruction from an optometrist on CL care; however, non-adherence was evident.

Data collected from (n = 125) participant optometrists showed that less than half (45%), rated patients as having average compliance despite 61% of CL wearers on the contrary expressing satisfaction with care regimens.

Conclusion: Results provide evidence that suggests a cause for concern in many areas related to compliance by CL wearers.

Contribution: Optometrists and CL wearers were investigated thus providing insight into CL wear habits from two perspectives.