Misuse of Tinted Plano Lenses in the Management of Ocular Photophobia: A Cross-Sectional Study among Eye Care Providers in Kenya - Abstract
Aim: To assess the implication of tinted Plano lenses in photophobia management.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among eye care providers in Kenya in which data was collected through online surveys. Three main themes were derived from the study; management of the underlying cause, impact of dispensing tinted Plano lenses and addressing astigmatism. Data was analyzed thematically.
Results: The response rate was (100%) with almost three quarter of the respondents (70%) working in private setups. Majority of the respondents (80%) agreed that uveitis, cyclitis, iritis, and blepharitis are strongly associated with photophobia (p=0.001). Although most respondents (78%) were dispensing tinted Plano lenses for patients with visual acuity of 6/6, the patients would still come back with similar complains. Only 24% of the respondents agreed that astigmatism was strongly associated with photophobia (p=0.002). Most respondents agreed that if a patient astigmatic status is corrected even with clear lenses then patients will rarely complain of photophobia. This is more cost effective as tinted Plano lenses remain expensive for majority who presents with photophobia.
Conclusion: Photophobia is mismanaged and there is a dire need for eye care providers to properly evaluate the cause of photophobia before deciding on a cost effective management plan. Notwithstanding, eye care professionals should correct any slight astigmatism as it is a major problem that is rarely factored in by most eye care professionals but majorly contributes to photophobia.