Compliance with contact lenses in Latin America: An educational, not a cultural challenge

Abstract

Although there have been notable advances in contact lenses, failure to comply with use schedules, changing times and care regimes is a significant problem in a wide range of users. Many eye care professionals associate the compliance with the rules of proper contact lens use with cultural elements however, it is important to ask whether this situation is really due to cultural factors or it has more to do with the education professionals give to users. This study is a qualitative research based on information review on the behavior of contact lens users, especially regarding their compliance with rules and instructions for use. The purpose is to identify what are the main aspects that influence the management of this type of lenses, to review the form and content of how patients are educated and trained, and to find appropriate tools to improve the practice of visual health professionals. Contactology has evolved, and specialization is now a reality however, this development sometimes omits significant basic aspects such as patient education and monitoring. This is an important issue, since an informed patient with an adequate accompaniment is a healthier patient with a better quality of life.