Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted daily life, including the behavior of contact lens (CL) wearers. This study investigates the factors influencing changes in adherence to contact lens usage rules before and during the pandemic among CL users in the northern West Bank region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey of 379 contact lens wearers aged 18-35. Participants were recruited through optometry clinics and completed a questionnaire between April 25 and May 1, 2022. The survey collected demographic information, CL history, and changes in CL wear patterns during the pandemic. Adherence scores were calculated based on a Likert scale, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of adherence changes. Results: There was a noticeable decrease in the frequency of contact lens usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a decline from 5.2 to 3.4 days per week (p < 0.01). Around 35% of participants stated that they did not follow the contact lens guidelines as closely as they should have. Getting advice from opticians or ophthalmologists has been found to improve adherence. Those who didn't receive guidance were less likely to adhere (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.45-0.98, p = 0.04). Urban residents were found to be 1.5 times more likely to adhere to guidelines compared to their rural counterparts (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.02-2.21, p = 0.04). The logistic regression model showed statistical significance, with a Nagelkerke R^2 of 0.24, suggesting that it accounted for a substantial portion of the variability in adherence outcomes. Coclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered contact lens usage, with many wearers reporting decreased adherence to usage guidelines. Our study found that professional guidance from opticians or ophthalmologists improved adherence behavior. This underscores the importance of professional support in maintaining proper contact lens hygiene during challenging times. Future research should explore the long-term effects of the pandemic on contact lens practices and the potential of virtual consultations in supporting wearers. Keywords: COVID-19, contact lens adherence, optometric guidance, pandemic impact, eye care practices, West Bank.

Title

BMC Ophthalmol

Publisher

BMC Ophthalmol

Publisher Country

Palestine

Indexing

Scopus

Impact Factor

None

Publication Type

Online only

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Year

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