New research from CooperVision reveals that vision remains an overlooked, yet high potential part of the healthy aging conversation as consumers increasingly invest in products and services that help them look and feel younger. The Unmet Opportunities: Multifocal Contact Lenses and the Anti-Aging Movement (U.S.) report highlights evolving attitudes towards aging and receptiveness to multifocal contact lenses, revealing largely untapped opportunities for eye care professionals (ECPs) to introduce them earlier in the patient journey. It is now available at coopervision.com/practitioner/
The report combines a broad, comprehensive survey of U.S. adults ages 38 and older with market data on healthy aging attitudes and behaviors. The results reveal a notable awareness gap: while consumers are investing heavily in products and services to help them look and feel younger, many remain unfamiliar with multifocal contact lenses and the role they can play in maintaining an active, youthful lifestyle as vision changes.
The research found that two-thirds of respondents want to maintain a younger appearance as they age, while nearly half are concerned about how their eyes look as they grow older.*1 When asked to rank their top three anti-aging product and service categories among 10 widely available options, multifocal contact lenses were the fourth most frequently selected, on par with fitness memberships and aesthetic dental care, and ahead of cosmetic procedures.†‡1
At the same time, more than half reported little or no familiarity with multifocal contact lenses or did not recognize the term. §1 Familiarity strongly correlated with consideration; three quarters of respondents who were very familiar with multifocal contact lenses indicating they would consider wearing them.◊1
The research also suggests strong receptiveness to earlier presbyopia education. Nearly half of adults ages 38-42 said they would prefer having discussions with their ECPs before symptoms develop,¶1 while adults ages 38-47 were significantly more likely than older respondents to value multifocal contact lenses for benefits related to feeling younger, improving appearance (avoiding age-related stereotypes), and discretely concealing signs of aging from others.**††1
“For many years, presbyopia discussions have typically started after patients begin noticing symptoms,” said Jennifer Palombi, OD, FAAO, Director, Professional Affairs—Americas, CooperVision. “These findings suggest there is value in shifting those conversations earlier. When patients understand their options, they are better equipped to make informed decisions, which can deepen patient-provider relationships and grow practice revenue.”
In addition to further research findings, the report includes practical guidance for integrating anti-aging themes into presbyopia discussions, including annual exam prompts designed to help ECPs discuss multifocal contact lenses in a natural, patient-centered way.
To download the full report, visit coopervision.com/
*Top 3 box; strongly agree, agree, and somewhat agree.
†Participants were introduced to multifocal contact lenses as a part of the online survey prior to responding.
‡From a list of 10 anti-aging product and service categories including nutritional supplements, skincare, aesthetic dental care, multifocal contact lenses, fitness memberships, haircare, sleep aids, wellness treatments, clothing and accessories, and cosmetic procedures.
§n=729.
◊Top 2 box; probably and definitely would use. n=150.
¶n=111.
**Top 2 box; selected extremely/very influential on decision to use multifocal contact lenses: feeling younger, improving appearance/avoiding age related stereotypes, and discreetly concealing signs of aging from others.
††n=200; p≤0.010.
References:
1. CVI data on file, 2024. Online survey, conducted with consumers aged 38+, USA. N=752.
