Influence of refractive status, residential climate, and adverse environmental factors in contact lens dropout: insights from a survey-based study

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to analyze the influence of refractive status, residential climate, and exposure to adverse environmental factors in contact lens (CL) dropout. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a face-to-face survey conducted by trained optom- etrists among former and current CL wearers (CLWs) at General Óptica centers throughout Spain. The survey included questions related to demographic characteristics, refractive status, residential climate, and adverse environmen- tal factors. The chi-square test and a forward stepwise binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: A total of 1094 surveys were included, comprising 509 former CLWs and 585 current CLWs. Age (B=0.03; OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04) and exposure to chemical (B = 3.51; OR 41.67, 95% CI 12.06–143.95) or dusty environments (B= 1.05; OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.16–7.41) were sig- nificantly associated with CL dropout. However, residing in a continental climate was associated with a lower CL dropout compared with a Medi- terranean climate (B = - 1.39; OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.15–0.42). Spherical refraction, cylindrical refraction, and near addition power did not show statistically significant associations with CL dropout. Furthermore, the model excluded sex, exposure to high-humidity or dry environ- ments, and the interactions between adverse environmental factors and residential climate as predictive factors. Conclusions: Older age, residence in the Medi- terranean climate, and exposure to chemical or dusty environments increase the risk of contact lens dropout. However, climate-specific condi- tions do not appear to significantly influence dropout rates, suggesting that other factors may play a more important role.

Peer Reviewed

3 - Salut i Benestar

Postprint (published version)