Pandemic linked to reduced contact lens adherence in young adults

Contact lens use and adherence to safety guidelines declined during the COVID-19 pandemic among young adults, according to a study.

The cross-sectional analysis included 379 contact lens users aged 18 to 35 who completed a questionnaire between April 25 and May 1, 2022.

Participants reported that average contact lens use decreased from 5.2 days per week before the pandemic to 3.4 days per week during the pandemic (P < 0.01). About 35% indicated a decline in adherence to recommended contact lens hygiene practices.

Multivariable logistic regression showed that receiving guidance from an optometrist or ophthalmologist was associated with better adherence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.33–0.88, P = 0.013). Although city residents tended to have higher adherence than those living in villages or camps, this difference was not statistically significant (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.72–1.80, P = 0.585).

Reference
Alnees M, Hamdeh NA, Najajra D, et al. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Predictive Factors on Contact Lens Usage and Adherence to Safety Guidelines: A Cross-Sectional Study. Rev Recent Clin Trials. 2026;doi: 10.2174/0115748871396371251116091541. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41572675.