Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Contact Lens Wear in Greece

Abstract

Purpose: This study demonstrates the actions that took over the contact lens (CL) wearers in Greece after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study includes nameless web-based survey used to measure participants demographics, CL wear history, and custom wear activity of CL in a stage of noticeable risk of infection due to CL wear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: During the lockdown A’ in Greece about half of the participants (42.5%) believe that the perception risk of infection using CL was extremely effective (29%) and very effective (13.5%). Only a minority (18 %) of the participants do believe that the use of CL increases the risk of COVID-19 infection. Another population (43%) do not agree with this opinion and more than a third of them (39%) resemble that are not affected by this opinion or are less informed. Conclusion: This study presents the likelihood of reducing or ceasing the use of CLs during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and a relationship between the perceived risk of infection and CL use. There was also a predisposition to alter the frequency of CL wear. All eye care practitioners should give more advice to their patients that continue to wear CL and assist them to act in accordance with the new rules of handling and in favour of occasional CL wear.