Spectacle use, eye-care practices, and contact lens misconceptions among adults in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Uncorrected refractive error remains a leading, preventable cause of visual impairment worldwide, yet adult-level data on spectacle and contact lens perceptions in Jazan are lacking.</p> <p><strong>Methodology:</strong> A descriptive cross-sectional study surveyed adults aged 18 years and above in Jazan, Saudi Arabia, in 2026. A self-administered Arabic online questionnaire, covering sociodemographic and ocular characteristics, knowledge and misconceptions about spectacles and contact lenses, attitude toward spectacle use, and practices including spectacle use, eye examination and refractive intervention, was distributed through social media platforms. Data were analyzed in SPSS using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression.</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>513 adults completed the survey. Mean age was 25.83&plusmn;9.23 years; 62.4% were female. Composite knowledge score averaged 6.42&plusmn;1.67 of 10; 26.1% scored good, 47.0% moderate, and 26.9% poor. Awareness of spectacles reached 95.5%, and 97.7% perceived a benefit. Current spectacle use was 43.1%, annual eye examination 36.5%, and refractive-intervention interest 29.6%. Contact lens beliefs were less accurate than matched spectacle beliefs (60.0% vs 52.0% and 62.2% vs 43.3% correct; McNemar P&le;0.001). Self-reported refractive error predicted spectacle use (AOR=26.59), eye examination (AOR=3.43), and intervention interest (AOR=4.32), all P&lt;0.001. Composite knowledge showed no significant socio-demographic association (all P&gt;0.05).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> High awareness of spectacles coexists with low utilization and persistent misconceptions, particularly around contact lenses. Targeted eye-health education is needed for Jazan's adult population.</p>