Background: Contact lens usage is rising worldwide. However, variations in lens prescribing practices were noted among various countries. This study aimed to determine the contact lens prescribing patterns in the Palestinian market. Methods: All 95 optometry centers were asked to complete a contact lens prescribing survey for the last ten patients. The information provided included patient demographics and contact lens type, design, replacement schedule, and care system. Results: 95 optometrists completed 950 surveys, achieving 100% completion. The average age of lens wearers was 26.85 ± 8.13 years, with 72.5% being female. The average wearing time was 5.7±1.0 days and 7.5±4.2 hours each day. 73% of patients wore hydrogel lenses, 15.3% silicone hydrogels, 9.2% RGP, 1.5%scleral, and 1.2% PMMA. In terms of lens design, 64.1% of patients wore spherical lenses, 27.2% used toric lenses, and 4.7% used cosmetic lenses. Prescribed options for presbyopia included multifocal lenses (1.7%), bifocals (0.0%), and monovision lenses (0.8%). Orthokeratology and myopia control lenses were given rarely. Half of the individuals use frequent replacement lenses: 40.5% on a monthly basis, 6.0% on a daily basis, and 2.6% on a weekly basis. 3–6-month replacements were 31.1%and 12-month replacements 16.2%. Unplanned replacements were 3.6%. Multipurpose care solutions dominated the market at 87.5%. Conclusions: The lenses prescribing patterns in Palestine suggest the dominance of hydrogel, spherical, monthly replacement lenses alongside the use of multipurpose solutions. The limited use of lenses for presbyopia and specialized lenses indicates a need for enhanced training for optometrists and greater awareness regarding these options.

Title

Palestinian Medical and Pharmaceutical Journal

Publisher

An-Najah National University

Publisher Country

Palestine

Publication Type

Prtinted only

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