U.S. contact lens demand remains strong

The U.S. eye care industry — specifically sales of contact lenses and eyeglasses — has proven resilient in the face of severe economic challenges , according to a new study commissioned by the Contact Lens Institute .

The study is part of the Contact Lens Research Institute's SEE Tomorrow project , which released data on consumer trade-off preferences, spending shifts and behavioral changes among contact lens wearers at the Vision EXPO West innovation conference in Las Vegas last week .

The research firm asked respondents to evaluate 26 different products and services, including personal health, entertainment, clothing, dining and other discretionary spending options.

Respondents ranked contact lenses (84%) and eyeglasses (75%) as their most important expenses — higher than any other category, the survey showed .

American consumers also said that if their budget is particularly tight, they are willing to give up most of their expenses to keep the budget for contact lenses.

When asked how inflationary pressures were affecting household spending, the two categories that would see the smallest budget changes were contact lenses (8%) and spectacles (7%).

“It’s clear – eye care professionals should not deny their patients the best possible vision correction prescription, even during challenging economic times,” said Contact Lens Association board member Charissa Lee, who moderated the panel discussion. “Consumers are more than willing to pay for what they value, and healthy vision certainly includes that.”

Respondents were also asked how their contact lens use habits might change under financial pressures.

While about a quarter of adults said they would not change anything (27%), about the same percentage said they might wear contacts less often (30%) and look for cheaper lenses online (27%) or through a professional (26%).

A minority also said they would consider using a pair of contact lenses for an extended period of time (24%) and reusing cleaning solutions (12%), although such actions could be harmful to eye health.

The survey was conducted from August 9 to 17, 2022, and randomly interviewed 2,439 U.S. adult contact lens users aged 18 and above.

USA

Contact lenses

Consumption