EFFECT OF CONTACT LENS WEAR ON BLINK RATE AND PATTERN AMONG FIRST TIME CONTACT LENS WEARERS

ABSTRACT

Contact lenses offer a more discreet and flexible option compared to traditional eyeglasses, making them a popular choice for fashion-conscious consumers. Studies have shown that contact lenses cause changes to blink rate and pattern. This study was carried out to determine the effect of contact lens wear on blink rate and pattern among first time contact lens wearers. Thirty three suitable subjects for contact lens wear between 18 and 36 years were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Subjects were given daily wear plano soft contact lenses to use for at least 4 hours daily for 3 weeks. Baseline blink rate and pattern, blink rate and pattern while reading paper print and from a digital source were taken. This was compared before contact lens wear, immediately after contact lens wear and 3 weeks after contact lens wear. Data Analysis using Paired Samples T-Test and One-Way ANOVA showed that the mean value of blink rate was higher before contact lens wear (for baseline at 3m) with a mean of 19.0± 8.76brm and also for paper print and digital screen (at 40cm) with a mean of 12.85±9.15brm and 11.91 ± 10.8brm respectively. There was significant difference between the mean of blink rate for baseline (3m), paper print and digital print (at 40cm)- (p=0.31) and (p=0.11) respectively. The mean of complete blink pattern was observed to be higher before contact lens wear (at 3m) but reduced after wear with a higher incomplete blink after wear. In conclusion reading and blink rates are affected by soft contact lenses.