May 13, 2021 — CooperVision has released the latest report of its Consumer Insights Series. 

The report, “A Global Perspective on Spectacle Fogging,” aims to clear up questions about face mask-related eyewear fogging while offering in-practice guidance for eyecare professionals.

The survey for the report was commissioned by CooperVision and conducted by YouGov, querying more than 8,000 adult spectacle wearers in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the U.S. CooperVision shares that the sample was well distributed, including similar numbers of spectacles-only and dual wearers (glasses and contact lenses) respondents in each country.

The survey found that more than 8 in 10 individuals reported spectacle fogging when wearing a mask (86% for the spectacles-only group and 87% for the dual-wear group). It also found that for the dual-wearing population, 38% say they use their contact lenses more frequently as a solution for fogging and 31% shared they were contact lenses in situations or activities where they would have previously worn glasses.

For the spectacles-only respondents, 30% shared they removed their spectacles at the risk of not seeing clearly, 9% had taken off their mask completely, and 21% shared they had worn their masks incorrectly (such as leaving the nose uncovered) to seek relief from fogging.

Although about 1 in 5 individuals shared they have searched for a solution to lens fogging online, only 2% shared that they had contacted their ECP for advice. 

“Considering how common mask-related fogging has become, there’s enormous opportunity for ECPs to take the lead in helping their patients,” says Simon Seshadri, senior vice president of global marketing for CooperVision. “We know that many affected spectacles wearers are considering contact lenses—nearly half of people, according to one study—among their other options. By prompting these conversations, practitioners can assist patients with their vision, mitigate fogging challenges that are shown to decrease mask use during the pandemic, and bring in additional revenue. It’s doing well for all by doing good for all.”

Click here to download the full report.