Industry News
Alcon Reveals Eye On Cataract Survey Results during Cataract Awareness Month
Leading eye care company Alcon has unveiled the findings of its Alcon Eye On Cataract Survey as part of the ongoing Cataract Awareness Month. The survey, conducted between March and April 2023 in ten countries including Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Spain, South Korea, and the United States, aimed to assess vision and cataract insights among the world's rapidly aging population. The participants of the survey included individuals aged 50 and above who had received a cataract diagnosis within the last five years, both before and after their cataract surgery, as well as those aged 50 and above who had not been diagnosed with cataracts. The results shed light on the positive impact of cataract surgery on vision, with 45% of post-surgery patients reporting that their vision resembled that of a younger individual.
In the ten markets surveyed, vision ranked as the second most important aspect of aging (83%), just behind memory (84%), with mobility following closely behind. These findings highlight the significance of safeguarding and enhancing vision, particularly by understanding the advantages and choices available through cataract surgery. This aligns with the growing concept of pro-aging, which emphasizes a positive and engaged approach to the aging process.
Today, cataract surgery patients have the opportunity to correct their vision and potentially reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses through the use of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (PC-IOL). The survey results showcased the benefits of these options, with 81% of patients who received any PC-IOL reporting an improvement in their quality of life after surgery. There are various types of PC-IOLs, including advanced technology options that offer patients the possibility of achieving 20/20 vision at different distances, such as driving, computer usage, and mobile device usage. Alternatively, a monofocal lens, which enhances distance vision, is also available as a standard lens option.
The survey further revealed that currently, 84% of the global population aged 50 and above wear and rely on glasses. However, 69% of all participants, including those without a cataract diagnosis, expressed a desire to be liberated from their dependence on glasses. Following cataract surgery, the percentage of patients relying on glasses decreased from 81% before surgery to 45%.
Jeannette Bankes, Alcon's Global Surgical Franchise President and GM, expressed the company's commitment to helping people achieve brilliant vision and promoting healthy aging over the past 75+ years. She stated, "While we have demonstrated the benefits of PC-IOLs through clinical data, the Alcon Eye On Cataract Survey underscores that, globally, these IOLs can improve people's vision, enhance the quality of their lives, and help them feel better about aging."
Cataract development is a natural part of the aging process, and cataract extraction and lens replacement remain the most frequently performed surgeries, with nearly 30 million procedures conducted annually. Despite the prevalence of cataracts and the significance of vision among the global population, there are still misconceptions surrounding the procedure. According to the survey:
- Only 51% of individuals aged 50 and above worldwide are aware that they have several IOL options tailored to their specific needs.
- Just 58% of those in the same age group recognize that cataract surgery involves the implantation of a permanent lens in the eye.
- More than 25% of respondents were unaware of the short recovery time associated with cataract surgery.
Cataract Awareness Month serves as an opportunity for individuals aged 50 and above, along with their families, physicians, and the eye care industry, to engage in discussions about cataract diagnoses, lens options, the surgical process, and the post-surgical advantages that enhance lifestyle. As people tend to experience a decline in abilities as they age, cataract surgery now presents a unique opportunity to regain vision and improve overall quality of life.
For more information on cataracts and cataract surgery, patients and caregivers are encouraged to visit www.myalcon.com/cataracts.
