Practices and awareness toward contact lens wearing and care post-COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Contact lens (CL) is an optical device with a thin layer applied directly to the cornea of the eye. CL primarily corrects refractive errors. Despite the advantages, it can cause serious complications if CL Wearer (CLW) fail to clean, disinfect and store them appropriately. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate CLWs' awareness and practices and evaluate the effect of the corona virus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the frequency of CL wearing and hygiene in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was directed at individuals wearing a CL in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1468 participants were involved in the investigation between February 2022 and October 2022. The participants completed a well-structured, Arabic-based, validated questionnaire. Participants' mean age was 26.6 +/- 8.9 years. Of the participants, 84% were female and 89.1% had university-level education. Regarding hygiene practices, 86.6% of the participants washed their hands before CL use and 55.4% washed CLs daily before use. Approximately 15.2% of the participants reported that they share CLs with others and 10.5% wear them even while sleeping. Approximately 48.2% of the participants reported that their CL use decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, 40.1% reported that the frequency of washing hands before and after using CLs increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study show that the majority of the participants had good CL-related hygiene practices and awareness of CL. Hence, during the COVID-19 pandemic, most participants reported a decrease in CL use and an increase in hand washing before and after CL use.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of contact lenses on the ocular surface.

Several lifestyle choices made by contact lens wearers can have adverse consequences on ocular health. These include being non-adherent to contact lens care, sleeping in lenses, ill-advised purchasing options, not seeing an eyecare professional for regular aftercare visits, wearing lenses when feeling unwell, wearing lenses too soon after various forms of ophthalmic surgery, and wearing lenses when engaged in risky behaviors (e.g., when using tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs). Those with a pre-existing compromised ocular surface may find that contact lens wear exacerbates ocular disease morbidity. Conversely, contact lenses may have various therapeutic benefits. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic impinged upon the lifestyle of contact lens wearers, introducing challenges such as mask-associated dry eye, contact lens discomfort with increased use of digital devices, inadvertent exposure to hand sanitizers, and reduced use of lenses. Wearing contact lenses in challenging environments, such as in the presence of dust and noxious chemicals, or where there is the possibility of ocular trauma (e.g., sport or working with tools) can be problematic, although in some instances lenses can be protective. Contact lenses can be worn for sport, theatre, at high altitude, driving at night, in the military and in space, and special considerations are required when prescribing in such situations to ensure successful outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis, incorporated within the review, identified that the influence of lifestyle factors on soft contact lens dropout remains poorly understood, and is an area in need of further research. Overall, this report investigated lifestyle-related choices made by clinicians and contact lens wearers and discovered that when appropriate lifestyle choices are made, contact lens wear can enhance the quality of life of wearers.

A Review Study on Associated Factors Ofmyopia Amongschool Goingchildren

Myopia is a prevalent yet confusingocular disorder. Myopia,formerlyconsidered abenignrefractivecondition, is nowassociatedwithanincreasedriskofdevelopingseveraloculardisorders,evenatmodestlevels.Myopiaisaglobalproblemthatexpe rts have documented. Despite the fact that the specific cause of myopia remains a mystery, it appears to be a combinationof genetic and environmental factors, making the prevention and treatment of the condition difficult and highly personalised.Myopia can have a positive impact on both the quality of life and the health of the eyes if it is prevented. Progressive additionlenses (PAL), topical atropine, ortho-k (orthokeratology) lenses and multifocal contact lenses are some of the most commoncontrol options currently available. Myopia has gained prominence in optometry studies as a result of its high prevalence. It ismore common for children to suffer from problems, such as extreme myopia and myopic macular degeneration, if they begindevelopingmyopiaatanearlyage.Thepurposeofthisstudywillbetoconductaninquiryintotheepidemiologyandriskfactorsfor myopiainschool-agedchildren(aged 6-19years)aroundtheworld.Copyright © 2022, Anka Publishers. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 pandemic from an ophthalmology point of view.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a highly contagious RNA virus termed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Ophthalmologists are at high-risk due to their proximity and short working distance at the time of slit-lamp examination. Eye care professionals can be caught unaware because conjunctivitis may be one of the first signs of COVID-19 at presentation, even precluding the emergence of additional symptoms such as dry cough and anosmia. Breath and eye shields as well as N95 masks, should be worn while examining patients with fever, breathlessness, or any history of international travel or travel from any hotspot besides maintaining hand hygiene. All elective surgeries need to be deferred. Adults or children with sudden-onset painful or painless visual loss, or sudden-onset squint, or sudden-onset floaters or severe lid oedema need a referral for urgent care. Patients should be told to discontinue contact lens wear if they have any symptoms of COVID-19. Cornea retrieval should be avoided in confirmed cases and suspects, and long-term preservation medium for storage of corneas should be encouraged. Retinal screening is unnecessary for coronavirus patients taking chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine as the probability of toxic damage to the retina is less due to short-duration of drug therapy. Tele-ophthalmology and artificial intelligence should be preferred for increasing doctor-patient interaction.

Increased Screen Time as a Cause for Further Myopia BoomFollow up Study of School Health Survey

Background: Myopia is a major health issue around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that half of the population of the world may be myopic by 2050. In the present years, insufficient time spent in outdoor activities has been recognized as a major risk factor for myopia development. The duration and intensity of near work are also associated with myopia progression. Aim(s): To study the increase in myopic shift in school going children during covid 19 pandemic due to increased screen time. Material(s) and Method(s): A prospective cross sectional study was done as a follow up after 2 years (in March 2021) from a school health survey done in May 2019. 150 students, of ages 7-15 were included and spherical equivalent refraction was recorded for each child and progression of myopia was documented in dioptres. Children wearing contact lenses, with h/o any ocular surgery and children with pathological myopia were excluded from study. Result(s): Out of 145 children called for follow up, only 123 children reported in the OPD for follow up. The mean refractive error(spherical equivalent) had increased by +2D in children of ages 7-10 and by +1D in children from ages 11-13 and somewhat remained constant in older ages. The parents reported an increase in time spent on digital devices and prolonged near work and all this had a positive correlation with an increase in myopic shift. Conclusion(s): Shorter viewing distance, increased screen time and lesser outdoor activities is also associated with myopia progression, especially in younger children. Younger children's refractive status may be more sensitive to environmental changes than older children, as they are in a more important period for myopic development and progression. Copyright © 2022, Dr Yashwant Research Labs Pvt Ltd. All rights reserved.

Myopia Control in the Republic of Ireland

Purpose: Tto estimate how many independent optical practices in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) are offering myopia control options to patients and parents. Method(s): 346 independent optical practices were identified in the ROI using a listing provided on the Association of Optometrists Ireland website. All practices identified were emailed to ask if they practised any myopia control. Practice websites (where available) were examined to see if myopia control was mentioned as a service offered. Some practices believed to be offering myopia control were phoned directly to ascertain if they were practising myopia control. This research was carried out between Feb and March 2019 (i.e. pre-covid restrictions in the ROI). Result(s): 17 independent practices in the ROI were identified as having fitted patients with contact lenses for myopia control. Five of the 17 were not advertising myopia control on their websites. Several practitioners who were not advertising myopia control on their websites reported that they still felt that they were in the early stages of learning about myopia control and were therefore only offering it to patients and parents who enquired about it directly. Conclusion(s): In spite of the increase in licensed contact lens options for myopia control in the ROI and the relative ease with which suitable patients could be fitted with myopia control lenses, practitioners still appear reluctant to engage in the practice. Copyright © 2022

Digital device use, dry eye and quality of life in youth

Purpose: Excessive screen use is a pervasive global phenomenon, recently aggravated by COVID-19-related mobility restrictions. Wide-ranging implications for health and quality of life are linked to extended screen time, the early onset of which may place young people at risk. This study evaluated screen use habits, dry eye disease markers and the associated impacts on quality of life and vision in a young cohort of extended screen users. Method(s): A total of 456 attendees of a gaming convention in Auckland, New Zealand completed a self-directed iPad-based survey on personal screen use habits, ocular symptoms and quality of life. Habitual blinking was assessed covertly using the front-facing iPad camera and proxy tear film stability measurements were conducted. Result(s): Participants (aged 24+/-10, 38% female, 11% contact lens wearers) reported a weekly average screen time of 44+/-24 hours. When compared to non-lens wearers, contact lens wearers reported a higher impact severity on daily quality of life (38% vs 29%), on vision-related quality of life (40% vs 31%) and more severe and frequent dryness symptoms (42% vs 32%;all p<0.009). Overall, 27% of respondents qualified as symptomatic for dry eye disease based on a Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 (DEQ-5) score >= 6 and proxy tear film stability values of <10 seconds. Extended screen use was associated with ocular symptomology, blink frequency and proxy tear film stability (all p<0.05). Conclusion(s): Young participants commonly report extended habitual screen use that are associated with typical symptoms and signs of dry eye disease, as well as significant impacts on quality of life. This may place youth at risk of deteriorating ocular health and comfort, underlining a pressing need for evidence to guide policy development on safe screen use, and for screening and educational interventions around screen use in routine clinical practice. Copyright © 2022

Covid-19 protective measures, teleworking and face masks: the effect on dry eye in contact lens and non-contact lens wearers

Purpose: To evaluate how covid-19 protective measures in Greece, especially teleworking and use of face masks, affect dry eye syndrome (DES) in contact lens (CLW) and non-contact lens (non-CLW) wearers. Method(s): In this cross-sectional study, two specially modified and reliable (Cronbach's Alpha) questionnaires were distributed electronically. The effects of teleworking, use of face masks and their combination on DES were studied. Amongst others, face mask use and duration, change of workplace and type of CL used were investigated. ANOVA statistics, x2 tests and non-parametric tests were performed. Result(s): 121 subjects completed the study, 44 CLW and 77 non-CLW. In the CLW group, teleworking showed statistically significant higher DES (p = 0.011). Additionally, dryer workplace (p = 0.007) and use of frequent replacement contact lenses (CL) other than monthlies (p = 0.014) increased DES. In the non-CLW group, teleworking (p < 0.0001) and the combination of teleworking and use of face masks (p = 0.003) showed statistically significant higher DES. Longer teleworking hours led to higher DES (p = 0.034) and higher eye discomfort (p = 0.015);when this was combined with face masks, the eye discomfort was even higher (p = 0.038). Finally, in between CLW and non-CLW, when they were under the combination of teleworking and face mask use, a statistically significant difference in eye discomfort (p < 0.0001) and in eye dryness (p = 0.010) was found, with very intense symptoms (p = 0.007 and 0.009 respectively). Conclusion(s): Analogous to international studies, face mask use and lengthy use of electronic devices led to elevated DES in both CLW and non-CLW;the novelty of this study is that examines also the two in combination. The even higher eye discomfort found should motivate CL practitioners to inform CLW and non-CLW better during this covid-19 pandemic. Copyright © 2022

Contact Lens Wear Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose: COVID-19 has had an unprecedented global impact, including on contact lens (CL) practice. A survey was conducted with CL wearers to understand the effect on usage and wear behaviour during different phases of the pandemic. Method(s): A weekly online survey was conducted in 13 countries globally from April to June 2020, quarterly from August to November with questions added as the pandemic continued;wearers between 18 and 55 were surveyed by an independent market research company (Verve). Data presented show changes between countries during the pandemic. Result(s): A total of 19,139 wearer surveys were completed. Results here are combined and averaged across countries. 49% were 18-34 years, 49% 35-54 years;64% female. 79% agreed (strongly/slightly) CLs were essential to everyday life, 47% agreed they viewed them as luxury item. 59% agreed they only wear CLs when not at home (work, activities). Mean number days worn/month returned to pre-pandemic levels in most countries: before, the mean wearing of CLs per month was 20, this dropped to 14 at the height of the pandemic to 19 'post'-pandemic. Historically 75% wore CLs most of the day;46% (p<0.05) during;78%, considered 'core' wearers returned to pre-pandemic wear. While concerns about safety and CL wear are decreasing, 49% have not seen information about safe use during the pandemic. Frequency of CL use has increased for 49.1% wearers due to face masks, with 51.4% recommending CLs to others to help prevent their spectacles fogging. Conclusion(s): This large-scale global survey highlights the resilience of CLs in many markets throughout the pandemic with core wearers remaining in the category. Information, guidance and services are highly desired. These insights help ECPs consider ways to support wearers during and post-pandemic with tips on lens wear/care and easy options for product availability to help maintain their CL business. Copyright © 2022

The Impact of Excessive Use of Digital Devices During the Pandemic of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) Among Saudi Arabia Population

Background: A substantial increase in using digital devices was observed among the population due to staying at home as a result of the quarantine during the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, ocular symptoms appeared due to spending several hours of screen time per day. Objective(s): The current study aimed to assess the impact of excessive use of digital devices during the pandemic of coronavirus among the Saudi population. Method(s): A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2020 to January 2021 among the Saudi population. Data were collected by using Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaires for the assessment of symptoms related to dry eye and their effect on vision. A logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the risk factors and the symptoms of dry eye. SPSS 22nd edition was used, any p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Result(s): Out of 1573 participants, 93.8% used mobile, 42.4% experienced uncomfortable sensitivity to the light. There were 49.15% of the participants who showed that none of the time they felt blurry vision, 54.8% did not report double vision, and 30.5% who felt a headache recently after quarantine. About 48% of the participants did not have any ocular symptoms, while 52% had dry eye symptoms (mild 22.3%, moderate 13.7%, and severe 15.9%). When the logistic regression model of risk factors associated with severe symptoms of dry eye was applied, wearing a contact lens was the most significant variable (p<0.0001). Conclusion(s): Dry eye symptoms increased during the quarantine, which indicated that the digital device users need to learn more about the preventive measures from practitioners in eye healthcare. More studies are warranted to assess the impact of digital device usage on all age groups starting from children up to the elderly population. Copyright © 2022 Almuhwwis et al.

Effectiveness of an online educational video intervention to improve the knowledge and behavior of contact lens care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A pre-test/post-test design.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of an online educational video in improving contact lens (CL) care knowledge and behavior. Methods: Participants completed a 47-item questionnaire on their CL hygiene knowledge and wear and care behavior. A 5-min CL educational video was shown, and participants completed a post-test. After 2 months, the same questionnaire was used to determine knowledge retention and behavioral changes. Descriptive statistics and McNemar's tests were performed. Results: The mean age of the 132 enrolled participants was 24 years, and 61% were female. The knowledge scores significantly improved after watching the educational video (p < 0.001). Two months after the intervention, the participants reported changes in their hygienic behavior (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Online video-based learning is an effective educational tool for improving the knowledge and behavior of CL care. Practice implications: Patient education via online videos is an innovative and successful strategy that raises awareness, increases patient knowledge, and encourages preventative health behavior to avoid CL-related complications.

Evaluation of effect of modified housing on fogging of reusable wide angle panoramic contact lens during vitreoretinal surgery

Purpose : To evaluate the effectiveness of modified housing on fogging of reusable wide angle contact lens during vitreoretinal surgery Methods : Wide angle contact lens provides panoramic view of retina and enables successful vitreoretinal surgery in complex retinal detachments through improved visualization of vitreoretinal periphery upto and beyond ora serrata. However frequent steam sterilization erodes the glue that holds lens elements, allows fogging due to migration of steam in between lens elements and result in poor visualization of the fundus. In this study, we altered the housing and evaluated its effectiveness. Modified housing has two modes;open mode during sterilization and closed mode after completion of sterilization (Figs 1&2). The lens system has two lens groups. The first group has a concave posterior surface [Radius of curvature (ROC) = 7.8 mm], for placement on the patient's cornea. This group acts to direct light rays originating from the posterior chamber towards the second lens group II for focusing. The group I lens system collimates the light rays. Group II is located in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to first lens group I. This allows an air space between them. The group II focuses the light rays and provides panoramic visualization of retina. Housing that holds the two lens systems has a rotational window that is open during steam sterilization and closed during surgery Results : The lens system provided real and inverted panoramic image of the fundus. The lens system is configured to minimize chromatic aberration and provide improved image as compared to the other lens systems. It provides 160 degrees of fundus view during static viewing and 170 degrees during dynamic view with excellent depth of focus. Modified housing has facilitated fog free visualization of retina during surgery while allowing effective steam sterilization compliant with standard operating room regulations. Conclusions : This modified wide angle contact lens provides a real inverted panoramic fog free view of the retina and allow repeated usage without deterioration of image and prolonged the life of wide angle contact lens system. It has added significance in covid era, as stringent sterilization is essential for prevention of disease.

Population perceived eye strain due to digital devices usage during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose : Lockdowns from the COVID-19 caused a significant increase in the use of digital devices. This increase could result in ocular sequelae such as eyestrain. We used a crosssectional survey to assess the magnitude severity and determinants of eye strain among Saudi population during the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown and abuse of digital devices. Methods : Saudi population of both genders, aged > 15 years old were invited. The questionnaire included demography, eye strain related symptoms, severity, and use of optical aid during covid-19 lockdown. The frequency and severity of eye strain were calculated. Based on the sum of 15 eye strain related sign and symptom, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) score was graded as none/ mild moderate and severe CVS. CVS was associated/correlated to determinants. The total score was calculated using a formula score of A X B for each sign and symptom,. The sum of 15 eye strain related sign and symptom score was further graded as <30 = no or mild CVS, 30 to 59 = moderate CVS and more than 60 = severe CVS. Results : There were 2,009 surveyed participants. Their median age was 20 years. The purpose of using digital devices was work and social purposes for 68.4%, and 61% used the digital devices for more than 6 hours daily. The prevalence of knowledge about CVS and '20-20 rule for using digital devices' was 9.4% and 6.9 respectively. Two hundred and eighty-two (14%) of the study participants were diagnosed with COVID-19, and 223 (11.1%) were quarantined. Three fourth of participants did not use contact lens (CL) or spectacles, 393 (19.6%) were using spectacles, 59 (2.9%) were using CL and 55 (2.7%) were using both Spectacles and CL. The most experienced symptoms of eye strain due to digital devices use were headache, burning, itching, tearing, and redness of eyes. The median of eye strain symptom score was 20 (IQR 10: 32). Based on the symptom score, 'no/ mild' grade of eye strain was perceived by 1,486 (74%), moderate eye strain by 468 (23.3%) and severe eye strain by 55 (2.7%) participants. The daily six hours usage of digital devices was found to have a significant and positive association to the eye strain severity grade during COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusions : Saudi-population suffered from eye strain during COVID-19 lockdown due to excessive digital devices use. Health care provider should educate general population about healthy measures during daily use of digital devices.

The impact of a rub and rinse regimen on removal of human coronaviruses from contemporary contact lens materials.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of contemporary contact lens (CL) materials on human coronavirus attachment and the influence of a rub and rinse step to remove these viruses. METHODS: The binding rates of HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 to eight soft CL materials and four rigid gas permeable materials were analyzed. The impact of a rub and rinse step to remove these viruses from all materials was examined. The efficacy of Biotrue (Bausch & Lomb), OPTI-FREE Puremoist (Alcon), Clear Care (Alcon) and cleadew (Ophtecs) to remove virus contamination from two representative soft lens materials (etafilcon A and lotrafilcon B) was also determined. RESULTS: Approximately 102 to 103 infectious viral particles were recovered from each CL material. Although some materials were more prone to coronavirus adhesion, contamination of both viral types was reduced to below the limit of quantification (LQ) from all materials using a simple saline rinse step. Exposure to Clear Care and cleadew reduced the number of infectious viral particles from both etafilcon A and lotrafilcon B to below the LQ, while for Biotrue and OPTI-FREE Puremoist, infectious viral particles were reduced to below the LQ only when additional rub and rinse steps were included. CONCLUSION: Human coronavirus contamination can be easily removed from CL surfaces. Although CL care products containing hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine efficiently removed virus contamination from CL surfaces without the need for a rub and rinse step, a full regimen including rub and rinse steps is crucial when using CL care products based on non-oxidative systems.

The impact of COVID-19 on soft contact lens wear in established European and US markets.

PURPOSE: To characterise changes in soft contact lens wearing habits during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A detailed online questionnaire was circulated to individuals aged 40-70 years, during the period April to May 2021. Data sampling took place in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. Only data pertaining to individuals who were soft contact lens wearers were included. Data were extracted for questions relating to contact lens wearing habits pre- and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and expectations for future lens wear beyond the pandemic. RESULTS: Seven-hundred and twenty-eight individuals were identified as soft contact lens wearers of which six-hundred and nineteen wore a combination of contact lenses and spectacles. Most respondents indicated contact lens wear times had either remained the same (57.3%) or increased (9.8%) during the pandemic. The country with the greatest proportion of respondents decreasing wear time during COVID-19 was the UK (45.3%), and the least in the Netherlands (20.0%). The primary cause of decreased lens wear was attributed to leaving the home less often (70.0%), and the second most common reason due to concerns about hygiene (10.8%). Most respondents (83.9%), however, expressed a desire to return to pre-pandemic wear times once the pandemic was over. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioner concerns about contact lens market recovery ought to be assuaged by the survey outcomes which show most individuals to have maintained lens wear during the pandemic. In view of the continued lens wear, as and when restrictions ease, ECPs may wish to encourage patients to return for routine check-ups that may have been missed due to the pandemic.

Antiviral Activity of Contemporary Contact Lens Care Solutions against Two Human Seasonal Coronavirus Strains.

BACKGROUND: Given that reports have suggested SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted via conjunctiva, the ability of contact lens (CL) care products to reduce the infectiousness of two seasonal human coronavirus (HCoV) (HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43) surrogates for SARS-CoV-2 was investigated. METHODS: Biotrue and Boston Simplus (Bausch&Lomb), OPTI-FREE Puremoist and Clear Care (Alcon), and cleadew and cleadew GP (Ophtecs) were tested. Their ability to inactivate HCoV was evaluated using contact times of 4 and 6 h as well as 1% and 10% of virus inoculum. RESULTS: Non-oxidative systems (Biotrue, Boston Simplus, and OPTI-FREE) did not exhibit a significant log10 reduction compared to controls for the two viral strains for either incubation time (all p > 0.05) when 10% tests were performed. For the 1% test, while Boston Simplus and OPTI-FREE exhibited a significant log10 reduction of both HCoV-229E (after 6 h) and HCoV-OC43 (after either 4 or 6 h incubation), those products showed less than 1 log10 reduction of the two infectious viruses. Oxidative systems based on hydrogen peroxide or povidone-iodine showed a significant log10 reduction compared with the controls for both HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43 in all tested conditions (all p < 0.01). Clear Care led to virus inactivation to below the limit of quantification for tests performed with 1% of inoculum after 6 h incubation, while cleadew and cleadew GP led to inactivation of the two viruses to below the limit of quantification in all tested conditions. CONCLUSION: Oxidative CL disinfection systems showed significant virucidal activity against HCoV-229E and HCoV-OC43, while non-oxidative systems showed minimal ability to inactivate the HCoV species examined.

Knowledge and Awareness of the Coronavirus Disease and Perceptions Towards Ophthalmic Practice Among Ophthalmologists

Objective: To investigate the level of awareness of ophthalmologists towards COVID-19 and their perceptions towards infection control in ophthalmic practice. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted using Google Forms during the month of December 2020. All ophthalmologists practicing in Sudan were invited to participate in the study. Participants who did not agree to the terms of the electronic consent form presented at the beginning of the questionnaire as well as those who did not complete the survey, were excluded from the analysis. Knowledge of causes, symptoms, and methods of transmission of COVID-19;ophthalmologists' attitudes and perceptions towards COVID-19 and clinical practice, including contact lens practice, were assessed using a set of 26 multiple-choice close-ended questions. Results: Of the 307 participants, 77.4% were in the age range 30-40 years and 73% were contact lens practitioners. While 96.1% acknowledged the scientific name of COVID-19, 46.9% were aware of its cause. Ophthalmologists aged 40-50 years were more likely to agree that air-puffing tonometer risks infection spread (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 0.27-9.70, p<0.01). Ophthalmologists aged 30-40 years were more likely to agree that a slit lamp shield would reduce infection risk (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 0.33-6.96, p<0.01). Contact lens practitioners were more likely to perceive that frequent replacement contact lens use can increase the infection spread (OR 2.64, 95% CI: 1.17-5.94, p<0.01). Conclusion: Ophthalmologists in Sudan demonstrated a mixed level of knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and modes of transmission of COVID-19. While the majority were able to identify the protective measures generally required by medical practitioners and patients, there was a limited level of knowledge regarding protective measures specific to ophthalmic practices, especially when dealing with contact lenses. Official national guidelines about safe ophthalmic service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic are recommended.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Contact Lens Solutions Assessed by ISO Standards.

Microbial keratitis (MK) is an eye infection caused by opportunistic bacteria or fungi, which may lead to sight-threatening corneal ulcers. These microorganisms can be introduced to the eye via improper contact lens usage or hygiene, or ineffective multipurpose solutions (MPSs) to disinfect daily wear contact lenses. Thus, the patient's choice and use of these MPSs is a known risk factor for the development of MK. It is then critical to determine the efficacy of popular MPSs against ubiquitous ocular microorganisms. Therefore, we compare the efficacy of nine major MPSs on the global market against four different microorganism species, and with four different common contact lenses. In accordance with International Standards Organization protocol 14729 and 18259, the microorganisms were inoculated into each MPS with and without contact lenses, and held for the manufacturer's disinfection time, 24 h, and 7 days after challenge with Serratia marcescens or Fusarium spp. Plates were incubated for 2-7 days and plate counts were conducted to determine the number of surviving microorganisms. The majority of MPSs demonstrated significantly higher disinfection efficacies without contact lenses. Broadly, among the microorganisms tested, the OPTI-FREE products (Puremoist, Express, and Replenish) maintained the highest disinfection efficacies at the manufacturer's stated disinfection time when paired with any contact lens, compared with other MPSs. These were followed closely by RevitaLens and renu Advanced. MPSs containing dual biocides polyquaternium-1 and myristamidopropyl dimethylamine possessed the highest disinfection efficacy against multiple ocular pathogens.

Using face masks with spectacles versus contact lenses.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that various subjective ocular and task-related parameters associated with wearing a face mask would be better in neophyte contact lens (CL) wear compared to habitual spectacle (Sp) wear. METHODS: Thirty participants were randomised to continue in Sp (n = 15) or wear somofilcon A daily disposable CL (n = 15) ('group'). A surgical face mask (Type II R) was worn for at least one hour per day on four or more days per week. After two weeks, participants completed the Quality of Life Impact of Refractive Correction Questionnaire (QIRC), a two-part face mask usability questionnaire and graded ocular-related symptoms using 0-100 visual analogue scales. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups for overall QIRC score but some individual question scores reflected better quality of life in the CL: 'outdoor activities', 'keep fit' and 'able to do things' (all p < 0.05). Differences in favour of the CL were seen for the following in the face mask usability questionnaire: 'breathing', 'heat', 'comfort on ears', 'overall comfort', 'walking', 'driving', 'reading', 'computer use', 'exercising' and 'socialising' (all p < 0.05). Significant differences were also seen for the 0-100 VAS symptoms probing vision quality in favour of the CL: glare, distance and near vision, fogging, restricted field of view and peripheral blur. CONCLUSION: This work supports anecdotal reports that CL are a better vision correction option than Sp when used in conjunction with a face mask. Participants reported a range of benefits to the CL/face mask combination for vision-related symptoms, breathing and heat-related symptoms and a number of day-to-day activities including walking, driving and exercising. All of the benefits relating to the CL are likely to result in improved adherence to face mask use. Overall, the findings of this work suggest that where possible, CL should be the preferred vision correction option for people using face masks.