Abstract
Purpose
To explore how soft contact lens compliance differs between two groups of students enrolled on undergraduate healthcare degree programmes.
Method
We developed an e-questionnaire to explore multiple aspects of contact lens compliance including lens wear and care habits; wearing schedules; methods of storing, cleaning and disinfecting lenses; how long lenses are kept for and used; hand washing routines and allowing lenses to come into contact with tap water.
The e-questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students enrolled on the University of Manchester’s Optometry and Pharmacy degree programmes (across all academic years) over the summer vacation of 2016.
Results
Sixty-three respondents provided valid data for analysis (33 Optometry students and 30 Pharmacy students). Overall, most Optometry students wore daily lenses (22/33), followed by monthly (5/33), fortnightly (3/33) or weekly lenses (1/33). In contrast, most Pharmacy students wore monthly lenses (14/30), followed by daily (8/30) fortnightly (5/30) or weekly lenses (1/30). Of the daily lens wearers, 1/8 Pharmacy students reported that they stored their lenses within the blister packaging, for reuse. Of the monthly lens wearers, 2/5 Optometry students reported previously reusing their lenses for between 1-2 months, whereas 8/14 Pharmacy students reported previously reusing their lenses for between 1-2 months, with a further 2 (out of 14) Pharmacy students reporting previous lens reuse of beyond 2 months. Six out of 28 Pharmacy students did not typically wash their hands before handling their lenses, compared to 1/31 Optometry students. Three out of thirty Pharmacy students also reported rinsing their lenses in tap water. Eight of the 19 Pharmacy students that used a lens case for storing their lenses reported dangerous habits such as never cleaning their lens case, or rinsing their case with tap water. Finally, 4/19 Pharmacy students reported dangerous disinfecting habits including topping up their solution, or even reusing the same solution, compared to 1/9 Optometry students.
Conclusion
Exercise caution when dispensing contact lenses to young adults enrolled on healthcare degree programmes, as they are not guaranteed to be fully compliant. We recommend reinforcing good contact lens habits at each aftercare/eye examination, including provision of written advice, alongside verbal instructions.
To explore how soft contact lens compliance differs between two groups of students enrolled on undergraduate healthcare degree programmes.
Method
We developed an e-questionnaire to explore multiple aspects of contact lens compliance including lens wear and care habits; wearing schedules; methods of storing, cleaning and disinfecting lenses; how long lenses are kept for and used; hand washing routines and allowing lenses to come into contact with tap water.
The e-questionnaire was administered to undergraduate students enrolled on the University of Manchester’s Optometry and Pharmacy degree programmes (across all academic years) over the summer vacation of 2016.
Results
Sixty-three respondents provided valid data for analysis (33 Optometry students and 30 Pharmacy students). Overall, most Optometry students wore daily lenses (22/33), followed by monthly (5/33), fortnightly (3/33) or weekly lenses (1/33). In contrast, most Pharmacy students wore monthly lenses (14/30), followed by daily (8/30) fortnightly (5/30) or weekly lenses (1/30). Of the daily lens wearers, 1/8 Pharmacy students reported that they stored their lenses within the blister packaging, for reuse. Of the monthly lens wearers, 2/5 Optometry students reported previously reusing their lenses for between 1-2 months, whereas 8/14 Pharmacy students reported previously reusing their lenses for between 1-2 months, with a further 2 (out of 14) Pharmacy students reporting previous lens reuse of beyond 2 months. Six out of 28 Pharmacy students did not typically wash their hands before handling their lenses, compared to 1/31 Optometry students. Three out of thirty Pharmacy students also reported rinsing their lenses in tap water. Eight of the 19 Pharmacy students that used a lens case for storing their lenses reported dangerous habits such as never cleaning their lens case, or rinsing their case with tap water. Finally, 4/19 Pharmacy students reported dangerous disinfecting habits including topping up their solution, or even reusing the same solution, compared to 1/9 Optometry students.
Conclusion
Exercise caution when dispensing contact lenses to young adults enrolled on healthcare degree programmes, as they are not guaranteed to be fully compliant. We recommend reinforcing good contact lens habits at each aftercare/eye examination, including provision of written advice, alongside verbal instructions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Published - 15 May 2017 |
| Event | European Academy of Optometry and Optics - Sants Barcelona Hotel , Barcelona, Spain Duration: 11 May 2017 → 14 May 2017 https://eaoo.info |
Conference
| Conference | European Academy of Optometry and Optics |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Spain |
| City | Barcelona |
| Period | 11/05/17 → 14/05/17 |
| Internet address |