ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to determine the effect of cosmetic contact lenses on tear quantity and tear quality among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A prospective experimental study consisting of 100 participants (24 males and 76 females) within the age range of 15 to 30 years and a mean age of 22.36 ± 3.79 years were assessed .The participants were divided into experimental and control groups. Tear quantity was measured using Schirmer's test ll . Tear quality was assessed using Invasive tear break up time in both experimental and control groups. From results obtained in the experimental group, the mean tear quantity was 12.96 ± 5.20 in 5 minutes and the mean tear quality was 11.00± 5.25 seconds. In the control group, mean tear quantity obtained was 22.22 ± 6.68 in 5 minutes and mean tear quality was 17.88 ± 4.52 seconds. Unpaired T test analysis showed statistically significant decrease in the Tear quantity and Tear quality of cosmetic contact lens wearers (p=0.00). It is Concluded that cosmetic contact lenses had an effect on tear quantity and tear quality in students of the University of Benin.