Knowledge, attitude, practice and eye problems from contact lens use in students at Chulalongkorn University 2010

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess knowledge about contact lens, attitude, practice and eye problems from contact lens use in students at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok. Data were collected by using self-administered questionnaires. 340 participants were selected by convenience sampling technique, contact lenses users among students at Chulalongkorn University. The result indicated that 73.2% had high knowledge about eye problems protection from contact lens. 93.5% knew that washing hands thoroughly with soap and drying well every time before touching contact lenses can protect eye infection. 95.3% knew that sleeping while wearing contact lenses can lead to an increased risk of severe eye infection. 80.3% knew that they should not swimming while wearing contact lenses. 79.1% of them had a moderate attitude about contact use. Most of the respondents (70.9%) agree that wearing contact lenses make them look more beautiful. 77.1% had good practice about the proper contact lens use and care. It was found that 26.8% used to rinse contact lenses with tap water. 56.8% used to sleep when wearing contacts lenses. 95.3% never swap contact lenses with another person. 36.2% used to swim while wearing contact lenses. There were many eye problems from contact lens use in this study such as red eye, discomfort, pain, dry eye, blur, light phobia, infection, many tear and discharge. Furthermore, the knowledge level was associated with hometown living, monthly income and field (p<0.05). The practice level was associated with sex, age, study level and monthly income (p<0.05). Knowledge and practice score regarding to eye problem protection from contact lens had a positive correlation (correlation coefficient of 0.316). In addition, knowledge score had a statistically significant correlation with practice score (p<0.001). This study proposed recommendation and guideline to control and reduce eye problems from contact lens use.