Assessment of satisfaction among people using contact lenses

Abstract

Background. The first contact lens was created by F.A. Muller in 1887. Currently, contact lenses are the most popular method of correcting vision defects, available for every age group. The use of one-day lenses is recommended by ophthalmologists as one of the most comfortable and healthiest types of contact correction. They were created to improve the quality of life of people with visual impairments. Identification of factors that may contribute to the feeling of discomfort in the use of contact lenses, as well as their modification is important from the point of view of quality of life but also due to the economic aspect. Objectives. Evaluation of the satisfaction of people using contact lenses in everyday life. Material and methods. 102 people were enrolled in the study for a medical consultation in an eye center. To collect the data, a questionnaire of its own was used, consisting of four socio-demographic questions and 20 questions referring to the sense of contentment and the use of lenses in everyday life. The p values < 0.05 were assumed to be statistically significant in the results. Results. 102 people participated in the study, including 63 women and 39 men. Most people (47%) were between 18 and 25 years of age. 65% of the study group declared satisfaction with the use of contact lenses. The largest number of patients use monthly lenses (41%). The majority declared that the lenses used are properly selected (61%). It has been noted that the high level of satisfaction is related to the material from which the contact lenses are made (r = 0.518295; p < 0.05), the appropriate choice of lenses (r = 0.795047; p < 0.05), the choice of lenses by ophthalmologist (r = 0.775176; p < 0.05), observing the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the wearing time of the lenses (r = 0.750783; p < 0.05), with information on the use of lenses that were provided by doctor or nurse (r = 0.561181; p < 0.05). Conclusions. 1. Patients feel satisfaction with the use of contact lenses. 2. Factors that positively influence the satisfaction are: the material of the lenses, the choice of the ophthalmologist, compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions, education by a nurse or a doctor. 3. Negative influencing factors are: keeping the lenses at night, the necessity of the daily putting on/removing of the lenses and the need for periodic attaching of the glasses.