AIM: To investigate the rate of compliance of contact lens users regarding hygiene and replacement of soft contact lenses, lens case and lens care solution.

METHODS: A candidate who used their lenses for a minimum of 8h a day for a period of 6mo or more was considered as a contact lens user. A semi-structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used to assess the compliance among the soft contact lens users after receiving informed verbal consent. Each candidate was interviewed to collect the information about their contact lens wearing history. Age, gender, type of lens used, wearing experience(y), wearing time and schedule, duration of lens use in a day and details of care system were noted.

RESULTS: The mean(±SD)age of the total 73 participants was 23.63 ± 5.23y. The status of compliance observed was highest in the category of lens cleaning and disinfecting procedures(98%); the least was in the category of care of contact lens accessories(81%). Major non-compliance aspects identified were replacement of lens case(41%), check discard after date of the solution, cleaning lens case(22%)and failure to attend after-care visits(22%). The gender, modality of lens wear, type of lens wear and years of experience in contact lens use did not show any statistically significant difference in the level of compliance.

CONCLUSION: The results from this study demonstrated good compliance overall. However, some degree of non-compliance was present among the subjects in the care of lens accessories like contact lens case and solution. Approaches intended to improve compliance with lens care practices is considered necessary.