Maintenance and Handling of Contact Lenses

OJECTIVEThis study seeks to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular emergencies. We examine patients’ use of both homemade preparations and manufactured products before seeking specialized care.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe conducted a cross-sectional analytic survey of consecutive patients seen in the ophthalmology emergency room of a teaching hospital.RESULTSThe sample included 561 subjects, 51.3% males and 48.7% females, with a mean age of 39.8 years. Prior to seeking emergency care, 40.5% reported self-medicating; 29.4% used a homemade preparation (13.9% referred to an industrialized product like boric acid as a homemade preparation), and 11.1% used a manufactured product. The most frequently used products included a boric acid solution (53.3%), a normal saline solution (35.7%), herbal infusions (6.1%) and breast milk (4.8%). Viral conjunctivitis was the most frequent diagnosis (24.4%), followed by the presence of a corneal foreign body (7.4%). No significant differences were found in the self-treatment of ocular injuries according to gender (p = 0.95), level of education (p = 0.21) or age (p = 0.14). In addition, self-medication practices were not related to the medically judged severity of the condition.CONCLUSIONPatients often attempt to treat conditions that require ophthalmologic emergency care by self-medicating with homemade or manufactured products. The most widely used products include boric acid, normal saline, leaf infusions and breast milk. This behavior occurs independently of educational level, gender, age or the nature of the ocular condition. Self-medication is a culturally driven practice that is used even in cases of acute ocular injuries.

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“…While saline solution is considered to be a neutral substance by the public, its use in ocular lavage also has contraindications. 28 …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Self-Medication: Initial Treatments Used by Patients Seen in an Ophthalmologic Emergency Room

Carvalho

Kara‐José

Temporini

et al. 2009

Clinics

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“…They occur commonly because of long-term wearing of contact lenses. Common environmental deposits are particles from cosmetics (Ghanem, C., & Bailey, M. D., 2004).…”

Section: Lens Care Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contact Lens History, Contact Lens Types and Future of Contact Lens

Kuru Mutlu,

Kaya,

Kırankabeş

2024

Kırklareli Üniversitesi Mühendislik Ve Fen Bilimleri Dergisi

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With the rapid development of technology, the use of different materials and device production for sharp vision has accelerated. One of the areas that benefit from developing technology is contact lens technology. In this study, the production-development stages of contact lenses, contact lens types, and materials used in production were investigated. The pros and cons of using lenses compared to glasses are stated. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of the production types of contact lenses compared to each other were examined. In the last stage, studies and expectations for the future of contact lenses are discussed.

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Contact Lenses

Ritchey¹

2006

Encyclopedia of Medical Devices and Instrumentation

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Contact lenses are prescription medical devices applied to the anterior surface of the cornea for the temporary correction of refractive error. Contact lenses can be used successfully to correct a number of refractive error conditions, such as myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and aphakia. Currently, there are an estimated 38 million contact lens wearers in the United States and 125 million contact lens wearers worldwide, making contact lenses one of the most commonly prescribed medical devices available. The ability to wear contact lenses successfully is dependent on numerous factors, including but not limited to the contact lens design and materials, corneal health and physiology, the lens to epithelium interface, proper use of lens care solutions, patient compliance, professional fitting and follow‐up care. Unacceptable contact lens fits can lead to deleterious results ranging from poor lens comfort to microbial keratitis and permanent loss of visual acuity.

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Maintenance and Handling of Contact Lenses

Cited by 3 publications

References 11 publications

Self-Medication: Initial Treatments Used by Patients Seen in an Ophthalmologic Emergency Room

Self-Medication: Initial Treatments Used by Patients Seen in an Ophthalmologic Emergency Room

Contact Lens History, Contact Lens Types and Future of Contact Lens

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