In the world of vision care, the only constant is change. An aging population, new diagnostic solutions, updated surgical treatments and breakthrough medications are all transforming the vision care industry before our very eyes. And routine eye exams are more important than ever. Here’s the latest vision trends and vision care benefit solutions to meet your employees’ needs.
Aging drives demand
As your workforce ages, the number of vision-related problems and other health concerns naturally increases. It’s estimated that 15 million more eye exams will be needed by 2030 to compensate for an aging population.1 Vision care benefits that support this increasing demand will be crucial.
Early intervention is key
Eye exams aren’t just for checking vision problems and updating prescriptions. During routine eye exams, an eye doctor can detect signs of serious diseases and health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disease and even cancer in early stages.2
Eye exams are also key in the detection of myopia or nearsightedness. 50% of the US population is living with myopia, and 36% of those affected are children.3 Early diagnosis and intervention can slow the progression of myopia and lower the risk of serious eye diseases later in life.
Employers should continue to educate their employees on the importance of routine eye exams as part of their overall health care.
Vision treatments are transforming
To meet the growing need for new treatments for common vision problems, there are now more FDA-approved treatments available. Many providers and patients are turning to injectable eye drugs for various age-related eye diseases. Lenses that reshape the eye are growing in popularity as a myopia treatment for children, such as EssilorLuxottica’s Stellest™ lenses. Drops to treat presbyopia (age-related blurry vision) have also generated a lot of interest from patients and providers.4
As new products and procedures become available, it’s important to consider vision benefit packages that offer affordable access and coverage for cutting-edge treatments like these.
Remote eye exams are here to stay
With the rise in telehealth, Americans are showing more interest in remote eye exams than ever before.5 Remote eye exams are comprehensive eye exams with the patient in-office for diagnostic tests. Results are shared with a remote doctor who runs refraction tests and consults with the patient virtually via online video chat.
Telehealth and remote vision care solutions can make eye exams more accessible and convenient for employees.
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1 “Optometry’s medical eye care opportunity a boon for patients, coordinated care;” American Optometric Association; aoa.org; February 02, 2023.
2 Mukamal, R.; “20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch;” American Academy of Ophthalmology; aao.org; April 29, 2022.
3 Hammer, R.; “Pediatric Nearsightedness Cases on the Rise;” Military Health System; health.mil; August 09, 2023.
4 Rita, R.; “Presbyopia Drugs: A Drop in the Bucket?;” Review of Optometry; reviewofoptometry.org; March 15, 2023.
5 Goodwin, E; “Eye Care Trends: Virtual Appointments on the Rise, Blue Light Glasses Aren’t Fading Yet”; Civic Science; civicscience.com; August 23, 2023.
