Contact lens procurement practices and wear habits among users in Oman

Abstract Background: Contact lens wear is widely preferred for refractive error correction because of its cosmetic appeal and visual benefits. However, safe use requires adherence to proper prescription, wear, and maintenance practices. Non-compliance increases the risk of complications, particularly when contact lenses are procured from non-conventional sources. Despite contact lens wear being a major risk factor for microbial keratitis, data on contact lens procurement and wear habits in Oman remain limited. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study employed non-probability sampling using a self-administered questionnaire conducted between January and April ۲۰۲۴. Participants were ۱۸ years or older, resided in Oman, and reported contact lens use. The survey assessed contact lens procurement, wear patterns, care practices, and compliance with recommended lens care behaviors. Results: A total of ۵۲۶ individuals participated, with a mean (standard deviation) age of ۲۳.۷ (۶.۱) years (range: ۱۸–۵۳), representing all governorates of Oman. The majority were female (n = ۴۸۴, ۹۲.۰%) and students (n = ۳۳۶, ۶۴.۰%). Nearly half of participants (n = ۲۵۹, ۴۹.۲%) used contact lenses for cosmetic purposes. While ۶۸.۴% (n = ۳۶۰) wore soft contact lenses, ۲۴.۹% (n = ۱۳۱) were unaware of the type of lenses they used. Approximately ۶۰% (n = ۳۱۶) of participants did not undergo an eye examination prior to obtaining their first pair of contact lenses; ۲۲.۲% (n = ۱۱۷) purchased lenses online, and ۱۶.۲% (n = ۸۵) from pharmacies or beauty salons without specialist consultation. Furthermore, ۶۸.۱% (n = ۳۵۸) did not have regular eye examinations and ۱۸.۴% (n = ۹۷) reported sharing contact lenses with friends. Conclusions: Contact lens use is common among young people in Oman, predominantly for cosmetic purposes, and unsafe practices are widespread. Non-conventional procurement, lack of eye examinations, missed follow-up visits, and contact lens sharing were frequently reported. These findings underscore the need for stricter regulation of contact lens distribution and targeted public health education to promote safe contact lens wear. Future research should use nationally representative samples to further evaluate contact lens safety practices in Oman. Keywords: oman contact lens soft contact lens refractive error habit risk factor