title: Knowledge and practice of contact lens wear and care among medical students of University of Malaya.
abstract: The knowledge related to contact lens wear and practice care of contact lenses among medical students of University of Malaya was assessed through a structured questionnaire. One hundred and twenty-one contact lens wearers participated in this study. Majority of contact lens wearers were females (106, 87.6%); the duration of contact lens wear varied from less than six months to two years or more; 53 (43.8%) cited cosmetic purpose for wearing contact lens; 16 (13.2%) were not removing their contact lenses prior to sleeping at night. Despite 107 (88.4%) were aware of complications of contact lens usage, only 102 (84.3%) were adhering strictly to proper hygiene and contact lens care; and 17 (14%) continued wearing in spite of eye symptoms. Forty seven (38.8%) students sought ophthalmic consultation for eye problems. Improper practice of contact lens wear and care even in educated users such as medical students could increase the risk of complications. Therefore, a need for more education to the consumers is desired.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. tajun69@yahoo.com
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tajunisah
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ophth
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Phuah
mesh_terms: D018639:Contact Lens Solutions; D003261:Contact Lenses; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D018639:Contact Lens Solutions