Vision Correction Habits After COVID-19 Onset in Spectacle and Contact Lens Wearers

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered daily routines and behaviors worldwide.
• Changes in lifestyle, including increased screen time and mask usage, may impact vision and eye health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the changes in vision correction habits following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To explore the relationship between these changes and factors such as screen time, mask wearing, and dry eye symptoms.

Main Methods:

• An email survey was conducted among participants to gather data on vision correction habits.
• Information collected included refractive error, screen time, mask wearing duration, and dry eye symptoms post-pandemic onset.

Main Results:

• Spectacle wear increased by approximately one hour per day, associated with increased screen time.
• Contact lens wear decreased by about one day per week.
• Increased mask wearing time correlated with increased contact lens wear frequency.
• Worsening dry eye symptoms were linked to both increased screen time and increased spectacle wear.

Conclusions:

• Post-pandemic, individuals increased daily spectacle use and reduced weekly contact lens use.
• Spectacle wear appears preferred for screen-related activities, while contact lenses may be favored during mask usage.
• The findings highlight adaptive vision correction strategies in response to pandemic-related lifestyle changes.