Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the awareness and attitude toward contact lens (CL) complications among the general public in AlAhssa, AlKhobar, AlDammam, AlQatif, and AlJubail regions of Saudi Arabia and guide prevention efforts against CL complications.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study design conducted among the adult population of the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia (AlAhssa, AlDammam, AlKhobar, AlQatif, and Al-Jubail). A pre-determined electronic questionnaire was modified and carried out after gaining authorization from the questionnaire developer. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data and some questions about awareness and attitude toward CL and its side effects (SE). The questionnaire survey was sent to both the general population and healthcare providers.
Results: The mean awareness score toward CLSE was 8.39 ± 1.66 out of 12, with 51.4% of participants having poor awareness of CLSE. Regarding attitude, the mean score was 1.99 ± 1.04 out of 5, of whom 59.8% of participants had a negative attitude. The most commonly known CLSE was red-eye and itching. Being a female and being professionals were the significant independent predictors of having better awareness. Simultaneously, males and less educated participants were the factors associated with a negative attitude toward CLSE.
Conclusion: There was moderate awareness toward CLSE among the general population in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia with inadequate attitude levels. Educated female participants had better awareness and attitude toward CLSE, whereas less-educated males had a negative attitude regarding CL complications.
Key words: Contact lens, side effect, awareness, attitude.
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