Knowledge, usage and barriers associated with contact lens wear in Ghana

Background: Despite findings that contact lens wear for vision correction provides better quality of life than spectacles, contact lens use in developing countries is low. This study evaluated knowledge, usage and barriers associated with contact lens wear among spectacle wearers in Cape Coast, Ghana. Method: A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted on an adult population of spectacle wearers to assess their knowledge of contact lens wear for vision correction. The participants were proportionately sampled from three eye clinics in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. Questionnaires were either self-administered or completed with the help of a research assistant. Results: Of the 422 participants, only 147 (34.8%) knew of contact lens wear for vision correction. The proportion of spectacle wearers reporting history of contact lens wear was 14 (3.3%). Barriers to contact lens wear reported were satisfaction with vision through spectacles 102 (25.0%), lack of adequate information 111 (27.2%), fear of side effects 94 (23.0%) and cost 78 (19.1%). The younger adults and those with higher number of changes of spectacles were more likely to know of contact lenses. Conclusion: Knowledge and usage of contact lenses among spectacle wearers was low. Contact lens education and demonstration of visual performance through fitting of trial contact lenses on potential candidates may help overcome barriers to contact lens wear.