Global contact lens prescribing 2000-2020.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Optometry
• Contact Lens Technology
• Public Health & Epidemiology

Background:

• Contact lens prescribing data are crucial for eye care professionals, researchers, and the contact lens industry.
• Understanding prescribing patterns helps benchmark clinical practice and identify trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document global trends in contact lens prescribing from 1996 to 2020.
• To analyze changes in lens types, wearer demographics, and fitting practices over two decades.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal survey collected data on contact lens fits from practitioners worldwide.
• Information from 406,859 contact lens fits across 71 countries (1996-2020) was analyzed.
• Trend analysis focused on 20 countries with at least 13 years of data (2000-2020).

Main Results:

• Majority of lenses (65-70%) fitted to females; average wearer age increased.
• Significant rise in silicone hydrogel and daily disposable lens fitting.
• Increased fitting of toric and multifocal lenses; specialist rigid lens designs grew.
• Near correction provision for presbyopes remained incomplete; extended wear remained low.
• Multi-purpose care systems dominated; daily disposables used for all wear durations.

Conclusions:

• International contact lens fitting practices evolved considerably between 2000 and 2020.
• Findings can inform clinical practice, research, and product development in the contact lens field.
• Data highlights shifts towards advanced lens materials and designs, and changing wearer demographics.