INTERNATIONAL CONTACT LENS PRESCRIBING IN 2024

A report on trends in global contact lens prescribing from our 24th consecutive annual survey

By: PHILIP B. MORGAN, PHD, MCOPTOM, CRAIG A. WOODS, PHD, MCOPTOM, IOANNIS G. TRANOUDIS, DO, MSC, PHD, NATHAN EFRON, AC, DSC, PHD, Lyndon Jones, PHD, DSC, FCOPTOM, PAULA FACCIA, PHD, DORIS RIVADENEIRA, OD, IACLE, CHRISTINA N. GRUPCHEVA, MD, PHD, DEBORAH JONES, BSC, FCOPTOM, LINA MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ CELY, OD, MS, JACINTO SANTODOMINGO-RUBIDO, OD(EC), MSC, PHD, MCOPTOM, NIR ERDINEST, BOPTOM, PHD, Ali Reza Jafari, OD, MSc, PhD, GIANCARLO MONTANI, DIPOPTOM, Yuichi Hori, JEROEN MULDER, MSC, BOPTOM, EEF VAN DER WORP, BSC, PHD, TIJL VAN MIERLO, ANN ELISABETH YSTENÆS, BSC, MSCOPTOM, JEANETTE ROMUALDEZ-OO, OD, CARMEN ABESAMIS-DICHOSO, OD, JOSÉ MANUEL GONZÁLEZ-MÉIJOME, OD, PHD, RUTE J. MACEDO-DE-ARAÚJO, PHD, OSKAR JOHANSSON, BSC, JOHN HSIAO, BA, OD, JASON J. NICHOLS, OD, MPH, PhD

Contact Lens Spectrum January 1, 2025 Vol 40, Issue January/February 2025 Page(s): 22-24, 26, 28-30

Clinical Report: International Contact Lens Prescribing in 2024

Overview

The 2024 survey reveals significant trends in global contact lens prescribing, with a notable increase in the use of silicone hydrogel materials and multifocal lenses for presbyopia correction. The data, collected from over 10,000 fits across 19 markets, highlights the ongoing evolution in lens preferences and patient demographics.

Background

Understanding trends in contact lens prescribing is crucial for optimizing patient care and adapting to evolving market demands. The annual survey provides valuable insights into the preferences of eyecare professionals and the materials being utilized. This information is essential for clinicians to stay informed about best practices and emerging technologies in contact lens fitting.

Data Highlights

[{'Market': 'Japan', 'Number of Fits': 1802, 'Soft Lens Percentage': '89%', 'Rigid Lens Percentage': '11%'}, {'Market': 'Overall', 'Number of Fits': 10716, 'Soft Lens Percentage': '89%', 'Rigid Lens Percentage': '11%'}]

Key Findings

Daily disposable soft lenses accounted for 40% of lens fits in 2024.
Silicone hydrogel materials comprised 81% of soft lenses prescribed.
38% of lenses were new fits for patients with no recent contact lens experience.
Multifocal and monovision lenses were prescribed for over 70% of presbyopes in many countries.
Rigid lens fitting has increased due to the growing scleral lens sector.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the increasing demand for multifocal lenses among presbyopic patients and the shift towards silicone hydrogel materials for both daily and monthly lenses. Emphasizing proper hygiene and care practices remains critical to minimizing complications associated with contact lens wear.

Conclusion

The 2024 contact lens prescribing trends underscore the importance of adapting to patient needs and preferences, particularly in the context of presbyopia and material advancements. Ongoing education and adherence to best practices will enhance patient outcomes.

PentaVision

Contact Lens Spectrum