Distance spectacle-wearing habits in older patients in England

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Gerontology

Background:

• Understanding spectacle-wearing habits in older populations is crucial for vision correction adherence.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the factors influencing the extent of distance vision (DV) spectacle wear in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the proportion of older adults in England wearing distance spectacles full-time, part-time, or rarely.
• To identify factors that influence the frequency of wearing distance vision correction.

Main Methods:

• A two-part questionnaire was administered to 322 older adults (mean age 72 years).
• A logistic regression analysis was performed on a subcohort of 209 participants with a mean spherical equivalent (MSE) of <±4.00DS to identify predictors of spectacle wear.

Main Results:

• 43% of emmetropic and 55% of pseudophakic distance spectacle wearers used their correction full-time.
• Lens type, MSE, and age of first spectacle wear significantly predicted wearing habits (adjusted R² = 0.36).
• Progressive lens wearers used their spectacles 37% more than single vision lens wearers.

Conclusions:

• Convenience is a primary driver for spectacle wear in older adults, even with low/moderate refractive error.
• Lens type is the most significant factor influencing the wearing habits of distance vision correction.
• Cataract surgery does not always lead to full-time spectacle independence; optometrists play a key role in patient counseling regarding lens choice and surgical outcomes.