Background: Interest in contact lenses is increasing in Saudi Arabia, as in many parts of the world, but unfortunately many patients do not remain contact lens wearers. This paper presents the findings of the first survey on failures in contact lens wear in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The purpose of the survey was to identify the reasons for failure in lens wear in the kingdom.Method: Two hundred previous contact lens wearers, mostly from the university population, were given questionnaires which included, among other items, demographics, length of post‐fitting lens wear experience, type of lens worn and reasons for discontinuing lens wear. Data from questionnaires were analysed and presented.Results: Data from questionnaires revealed that 61 per cent of the subjects discontinued contact lens wear due to discomfort, followed by inconvenience of lens care regimen (30.5 per cent), poor vision (5.5 per cent), economy (two per cent) and refractive surgery (one per cent). The length of post‐fitting lens wear experience before discontinuation ranged from two to 36 months. The majority had been soft contact lens wearers.Conclusion: The majority failed in contact lens wear due to lens discomfort and the inconvenience of lens care systems. Identification of the reason for failure in contact lens wearers is crucial if refitting is to be considered. This will aid in the selection of the appropriate lens or lens care regimen suitable to the patient and serve as a guide in the prevention of failures in prospective contact lens wearers.)Clin Exp Optom1996; 79: 6: 255
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