Risk of Developing Complications among Contact Lens Wearers in Northern Border Region, Saudi Arabia. A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The present study aims towards investigating the risk of developing complications upon usage of different types of contact lens as well as the role played by different variables related to contact lens usage (replacement time, regular follow-up, etc). This is a retrospective cohort study. The total study sample (n = 143) were recruited from Rafha General Hospital, Northern Border Region, Saudi Arabia. All their data were collected and analyzed using chi square test. A P-Value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Reusable contact lens wearers were noted to have significantly more complications than disposable contact lens wearers (P<0.05). The majority of the sample was reported to use contact lens for cosmetic (decorative) purpose than for therapeutic or optical indications (63%). Regular follow-up was significantly associated with decrease incidence of contact lens complications (P<0.01). Handling of reusable contact lenses must be done with care as complications are more likely to occur by using them than daily disposable contact lenses. Moreover, contact lens wearers must be advised about the importance of frequent replacement and regular follow-up as it showed significant decrease in complications. We can conclude from our finding that cosmetic usage of reusable contact lenses without proper handling and cleaning system is not advisable.