ECONOMIC AND ROAD‑SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF SPHERICAL VERSUS ASPHERIC INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN OLDER DRIVERS
Author(s)
Sophia Chen, Bachelor of Science1, Si Bin Chew, Bachelor of Science2, Tawnya Pastuck, Doctor of Optometry3, Michael Bershad, BS, MS, PharmD4.
1Johnson & Johnson, Singapore, Singapore, 2National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore, 3Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Jacksonville, FL, USA, 4Johnson & Johnson, Irvine, CA, USA.
1Johnson & Johnson, Singapore, Singapore, 2National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore, 3Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision, Jacksonville, FL, USA, 4Johnson & Johnson, Irvine, CA, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Despite the demonstrated reduction of spherical aberrations and increase image contrast of aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs), spherical IOLs continue to be used in many markets as a cost‑effective alternative. This study aimed to estimate the health system costs of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) potentially attributable to patients implanted with spherical IOLs, given evidence of reduced reaction time and increased crash risk associated with these lenses.
METHODS: Two published economic estimation models of motor vehicle crash risk were synthesized with injury statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and reaction time data from a Johnson & Johnson driving simulator study comparing spherical and aspheric IOLs. As this is a novel investigation, all inputs were assessed for temporal relevance and methodological rigor prior to cost quantification
RESULTS: In 2024, the estimated motor vehicle accident (MVA)-related cost attributable to cataract surgery population among Australians aged ≥65 years was $8 million, underscoring the economic burden associated with visual impairment in an aging driving population. While the majority of cataract procedures involve implantation of aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs), spherical IOLs are still used in 3.2% of surgeries. Rear‑end collision probability modeling demonstrated a 43% relative reduction in crash risk with aspheric compared with spherical IOLs. This reduction in collision risk translated to an estimated population cost savings of $190,000 associated with aspheric IOL implantation, reflecting the potential road‑safety and economic benefits of IOL selection.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that continued use of spherical IOLs may impose avoidable motor vehicle accident-related costs on health systems, while broader adoption of aspheric IOLs has the potential to improve driving safety outcomes and generate meaningful economic savings at the population level.
METHODS: Two published economic estimation models of motor vehicle crash risk were synthesized with injury statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and reaction time data from a Johnson & Johnson driving simulator study comparing spherical and aspheric IOLs. As this is a novel investigation, all inputs were assessed for temporal relevance and methodological rigor prior to cost quantification
RESULTS: In 2024, the estimated motor vehicle accident (MVA)-related cost attributable to cataract surgery population among Australians aged ≥65 years was $8 million, underscoring the economic burden associated with visual impairment in an aging driving population. While the majority of cataract procedures involve implantation of aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs), spherical IOLs are still used in 3.2% of surgeries. Rear‑end collision probability modeling demonstrated a 43% relative reduction in crash risk with aspheric compared with spherical IOLs. This reduction in collision risk translated to an estimated population cost savings of $190,000 associated with aspheric IOL implantation, reflecting the potential road‑safety and economic benefits of IOL selection.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that continued use of spherical IOLs may impose avoidable motor vehicle accident-related costs on health systems, while broader adoption of aspheric IOLs has the potential to improve driving safety outcomes and generate meaningful economic savings at the population level.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-09, ISPOR Asia Pacific 2026, Bangkok, Thailand
Value in Health, Volume 55, Issue S1
Code
EE68
Topic
Economic Evaluation
Topic Subcategory
Budget Impact Analysis, Novel & Social Elements of Value
Disease
SDC: Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)