A survey of more than 5,000 contact lens wearers sheds light on the deeper, emotional benefits people gain from wearing contact lenses.
The survey was conducted in five countries, including USA, Germany, Spain, UK, and Japan. There were no Canadian respondents in the study.
CooperVision, the study sponsor, has incorporated results into a downloadable practice guide, Beyond Vision Correction: The Real Impact of Contact Lens Wear on Patients. It is available at coopervision.com/impact-contact-lens.
“We initiated this project to help eye care professionals (ECP) recognize and articulate sometimes overlooked emotional benefits of contact lenses, yet which play essential roles in patient choice and ongoing satisfaction,” said Dr. Gary Orsborn, Vice President, Global Professional, Medical & Clinical Affairs for CooperVision.
When compared to wearing their spectacles, 78 percent believe “they see better in contact lenses,” including presbyopes aged 55 and over. Another 79 percent stated that “contact lenses make me feel more like myself” compared to spectacles wear.
“There’s significant opportunity for prescribing both spectacles and contact lenses to patients. Dual correction happens in an estimated 27 percent of cases, which is remarkably low considering advancements in materials, lens design, and wearer preferences. Our hope is that ECPs will embrace these insights and recognize the power they hold to improve patients’ quality of life and confidence, through the simple act of fitting contact lenses,” said Dr. Orsborn.
The guide also offers straight forward advice for incorporating the survey insights into practice, including making contact lens recommendations part of the daily routine and providing a short-term contact lens experience to rapidly highlight the emotional benefits.
To view the report visit coopervision.com/impact-contact-lens.
