Compliance study of contact lens wearers in Japan, Part 1: Internet survey of actual circumstances of lens use

PURPOSE:: To conduct a survey of contact lens (CL) wearers who use their CLs with satisfaction in Japan and to establish the actual circumstances of CL use. METHOD:: An Internet survey was conducted in 1,000 CL wearers in Japan with questionnaires concerning CL purchase/change, compliance with the duration of wear, and occurrence of complications of CL use. RESULTS:: Replies from 636 women (63.6%) and 364 men (36.4%) were received. The largest source of CL purchase was CL specialty stores (eyeglass chains, 41.3%). The most frequent CL types were 2-week frequent replacement (2WFR) soft CLs (SCLs) (32.1%), daily disposable (DD) (31.0%), and other lenses. The main determining factors of purchase were "price" (38.0%), "recommendation of a doctor/staff" (37.6%), and "comfort" (34.1%). The number of wearers who changed their CLs was 372 (37.2%), and the main reasons for change were "inexpensive" (34.9%) and "recommendation of a doctor/staff" (31.2%). In DD and 2WFR/planed replacement SCLs, 270 (42.7%) of 632 wearers were compliant with the recommended duration of use, and the remainder were self-identified as noncompliant. The main reason given for noncompliant behavior was "no harm in extending the duration of use" (60.3%). The number of wearers with eye complications related to lens was 373 (37.3%). CONCLUSIONS:: The choice of CLs by wearers seems to be price driven rather than being safety focused. Despite being aware of noncompliant behaviors regarding CL use, there were many noncompliant wearers. Clearly, ophthalmologists, optometrists, CL manufacturers, and other CL-related practitioners should cooperate and better educate patients to promote the importance of compliance with safe lens use.