Sunglasses- and photochromic lens-wearing patterns in spectacle and/or contact lens-wearing individuals.

PURPOSE:To determine differences in wearing patterns of sunglasses and/or photochromic lenses in spectacle and contact lens wearers, to assess patient awareness of the indications for the use of tinted lenses, and to identify wearers' lens tint preferences. METHODS:A total of 100 individuals wearing some combination of contact lenses and spectacles participated in a survey questionnaire composed of 14 questions. Participants were asked if they used sunglasses/photochromic lenses, why they used them, their preferred lens tints, and temporal and seasonal patterns of use. They were also queried on their awareness of the potential adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure on the health of the eye and appropriate protective measures. Participants were categorized based on their use of spectacles and/or contact lenses. Demographic characteristics of sex and age were taken into account for the analysis. The data were imported and analyzed using commercial statistical analysis software. RESULTS:A total of 52% of the participants wore spectacles exclusively, while 48% wore some combination of spectacles and contact lenses. In the spectacle group, 36% and 20% wore sunglasses and photochromic lenses, respectively. In the contact lens group, 20% and 10% wore sunglasses and photochromic lenses, respectively. Overall gray was the preferred lens tint, especially in the younger age groups. Summer was the primary season for use of tinted lenses. Approximately one-third of the sample were not aware of the UVR protective properties of their eyewear. A total of 77% believed that UVR could be harmful to the eyes, but only a small percentage of the participants wore sunglasses or photochromic lenses specifically for UVR protection. CONCLUSION:There was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.07) for preference between sunglasses versus photochromic lenses and in seasonal patterns for tinted lens use among spectacles and contact lens wearers. Spectacle wearers (as well as contact lens wearers) used sunglasses more than photochromic lenses (P = 0.004). Most of the participants wore sunglasses in the summer and to protect their eyes from bright light. Overall gray was the preferred lens tint. Potentially adverse effects of UVR exposure to the eye and the importance of proper UVR eye protection were not generally appreciated by the subjects queried.