Knowledge and compliance with contact lens care: A population-based study at a referral center in Northeast Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the increasing prevalence of contact lens (CL) wear, knowledge and compliance with proper care remain suboptimal. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and compliance with lens care practices in patients attending a third-level institution in Northeast Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered online survey was conducted. Patients at the Instituto Tecnolgico de Monterrey were invited to participate. The questionnaire consisted of three sections: demographic data and CL information, CL practices, and CL care knowledge. Participants responding correctly to 6/7 questions from the second and third sections were classified as having good compliance and good knowledge, respectively. Predictive factors for good compliance and knowledge were calculated using a logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 287 users participated in the study. The median age was 25 (14-78) years with a female (n = 221, 77 %) predominance. Good knowledge was observed in 215 (74.9 %), whereas only 42 (14.6 %) presented good compliance. Failing to replace CL as prescribed (n = 199, 69.3 %) and sleeping with the devices (n = 198, 69 %) were the most frequent practices causing non-compliance. Whereas prohibition of swimming with CL was the least known practice (n = 74, 25 %). Users with recent (≤5 years) wearing experience were more likely to present good knowledge (OR 2.19, p = 0.014) and compliance (OR 3.15, p < 00.01). No statistical correlation was established between knowledge and compliance. CONCLUSION: Non-compliance and lack of knowledge of proper CL care were prevalent among in this population. Long-term CL users were at higher risk of non-compliance and lack of knowledge. Moreover, knowledge was not related to compliance; therefore, different strategies must be implemented to reduce CL misconduct.

Rheumatoid arthritis-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis outcomes after early immunosuppressive therapy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the role of early immunosuppressive therapy (IMT) in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). METHODS: Single-centre, retrospective, comparative cohort study. Patients with RA-associated PUK were divided into two groups; those exposed to and those not exposed to early IMT, defined as administrating therapy within the first 4 weeks from the PUK onset. Outcomes included PUK recurrence, control of inflammation and development of ocular complications, including corneal scarring and perforation, cataract formation or progression and permanent visual loss. RESULTS: A total of 52 eyes from 36 patients were included for analysis; 37 (71.2%) eyes received early IMT and 15 (28.8%) eyes did not. Follow-up time was 41.2+53.3 months (range: 4-236 months). While early IMT was a protective factor (HR 0.345, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.946, p=0.039), late RA diagnosis after PUK onset (HR 4.93, 95% CI 1.75 to 13.85, p=0.002) and retarded (≥2 months) control of inflammation (HR 8.37, 95% CI 1.88 to 37.16, p=0.005) were risk factors for PUK recurrence. Late IMT (OR 7.75, 95% CI 2.00 to 29.99, p=0.003), an unknown diagnosis of RA at first visit (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.15 to 14.91, p=0.030) and at least one PUK recurrence (OR 6.42, 95% CI 1.71 to 24.07, p=0.006) were risk factors for visual loss. Survival analysis rendered eyes exposed to early IMT a lower risk of PUK recurrence (p=0.039). CONCLUSION: Eyes with RA-associated PUK exposed to early IMT were more likely to achieve earlier inflammatory control, fewer recurrences and had better visual outcomes.

Clinical profile of melanocytic lesions of the ocular surface in a Hispanic population.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and demographic factors of melanocytic lesions of the ocular surface, such as racial melanosis, primarily acquired melanosis, conjunctival nevus, and conjunctival melanoma in a Hispanic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional and observational study was undertaken in a tertiary referral ophthalmological center in northern Mexico from December 2020 to April 2021. All patients attending an ophthalmology specialty clinic were screened during their first visit in order to detect melanocytic lesions of the ocular surface. Demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and diagnosis and treatment were recorded. RESULTS: 227 patients were screened for melanocytic lesions. Melanocytic lesions were identified in 114 patients (50.2%). The prevalence of the different melanocytic lesions in the screened population was racial melanosis, 45.3%; primary acquired melanosis, 3.5%, and conjunctival nevus 1.3%. No conjunctival melanoma was identified in the screened population. Primary acquired melanosis was more common in the fifth to sixth decade of life and in females. Racial melanosis showed no gender predilection and was also more common in the fifth to sixth decade of life. Only 1 melanocytic lesion (a primary acquired melanosis) required medical treatment with excisional biopsy and cryotherapy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of racial melanosis is remarkably high in the Hispanic population. While less prevalent, primary acquired melanosis is also present in a considerable percentage of Hispanic patients. Both melanocytic lesions exhibit demographic characteristics that match those previously reported in the medical literature.