Pattern of use of contact lens among college students: a cross-sectional study in coastal Karnataka.

The use of contact lens (CL) for the correction of refractive errors, cosmetic use and their usage as a therapeutic modality for corneal pathologies has increased tremendously over the years. The present study was conducted with the aim to find a pattern of CL use amongst college students with a focus on the rationale for CL use and problems related to their use. This study includes 371 college students who were current users of CL at the time of the study. Results showed that 96.8% of the CL users use the 'daily wear type' of CL. Most quoted reasons of usage were comfort and convenience (61.2%) with cosmetic benefit (42.9%) as the next most common reply. Common complaints were that of general discomfort (foreign body sensation), dry eyes and watering eyes. Educated use of CLs amongst its users is advised in view of the symptoms and associated complications that may occur.