PSS10 Through the Patient's Eyes: A Presbyopia Patient Journey Survey

Abstract

Presbyopia is a very common age-related condition that reduces the eye’s ability to focus on near objects with increasing age. Individuals are impacted by their decreased ability to see clearly up close in everyday situations like reading, working, and using smartphones. We report findings from a survey aimed at understanding the experience of individuals with presbyopia. A total of 1739 participants (age 40-60, US residents) self-identified as having presbyopia were surveyed online between October 2019 and March 2020. Participants had a household income of $60,000+, at least some discretionary income, needed assistance for at least 1 of 3 tasks (reading a menu, book, or phone), did not have a history of LASIK surgery or use of bifocal, monofocal, or contact lenses, and did not have a medical reason for declining vision. A survey of individuals between the age of 40-55 (n=1339) with presbyopia (27% male, 73% female) revealed that only two-thirds talk to their eye care providers (ECPs) about presbyopia and are motivated to obtain treatment. Consumers start on over-the-counter (OTC) readers (31%) or prescription readers (35%) and continue to use them even though they are not satisfied. Non-treaters tend to be newer presbyopes. They have not consulted an ECP because they either bought OTC readers (30%), do not find the symptoms bad enough (30%), or did not realize there were remedies (15%). 58% of non-treaters would see an ECP only if their symptoms get worse. Consumers less likely to talk to their ECPs about presbyopia are more likely male (33% vs 23% female) and are less likely to have taken action about their presbyopia (40% vs 14%). These findings suggest that individuals with presbyopia vary in their perception of their condition and seek treatment (professional treatment or self-manage) based on how it impacts their daily activities.