New survey reveals Americans overlook eye health—despite its impact on confidence, independence and early disease detection.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) – Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in eye health, has partnered with Academy Award–nominated actress, producer, and entrepreneur, Naomi Watts, to change the conversation about vision. Together, they'll encourage simple, practical steps—such as routine eye checks and reframing eye care as part of holistic healthy aging, so that it becomes an easy and empowering part of daily self-care.
As we age, our bodies change in countless ways—including our hormones.1 This shift can have a profound impact on our vision, yet eye health is often left out of the wellness conversation as we age. Findings from a new global survey confirm that while 80% of Americans agree that clear vision is key to feeling confident and youthful, nearly half think they need vision correction but haven't seen an eye care professional in the past year. Additionally, despite the booming $59.7 billion anti-aging industry's focus on skin and cosmetic treatments,2 respondents ranked skin as the lowest priority in addressing the realities of aging. On average people prioritize clear vision over outward appearance, but only moderately, with 55% stating they are concerned with wrinkles around their eyes.
Those common aging concerns can include vision conditions like presbyopia and cataracts.3,6 Presbyopia typically begins around age 40 and affects over 1 billion people globally.4 The condition makes it harder to focus on close objects. While cataracts, the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide,5 clouds the lens of the eye causing cloudy or blurry vision. Cataracts and presbyopia can both be detected through comprehensive eye exams.3,6 In fact, an annual eye exam can reveal more than 270 health conditions – including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke risk – making it a cornerstone of preventive care and healthy aging.7
Naomi Watts: Championing women's health and vision awareness
"As we age and go through menopause, changes in our eyesight are common, yet eye health is still missing from the conversation," said Naomi Watts.* "Through my partnership with Johnson & Johnson, I want to encourage everyone to see eye health as an essential part of overall well-being. The more we talk about these changes openly, the more empowered we are to take control of how we age. Start today by taking the simple step of scheduling your annual eye exam—it's one of the easiest ways to protect your vision for the future."
The collaboration builds on Watts' long-standing advocacy for women's health and her work as the founder of Stripes Beauty, a company she launched to empower women through science-backed products, education and community during perimenopause and menopause. Watts will help bring greater attention to the impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause and how these shifts can affect vision. Through this initiative, she aims to raise awareness of the connection between menopause, aging, and eye health, encouraging individuals to prioritize regular eye exams as part of a holistic approach to well-being and longevity.
Expert perspective: Eye exams enable confidence and independence
"Clear vision isn't a luxury, it's an enabler of human potential and a cornerstone of healthy aging," said optometrist, Dr. Charissa Lee, Head of Professional Affairs, Vision, Johnson & Johnson. "While people invest significantly in skincare and cosmetic treatments to look younger, they often overlook that proper vision correction can help maintain a more relaxed, youthful appearance. As an Eye Care Professional, I believe the comprehensive eye exam and proactive eye care can fundamentally help you feel and look your best as you age."
Key survey findings reveal missed opportunities for healthy aging:
- Confidence and vision: 82% of Americans agree that clear vision is important to feel youthful and confident.
- Preventative Care Gap: 48% of respondents over 40 think they need vision correction but haven't visited an eye care professional in the past year.
- Health connection: While 87% of people surveyed demonstrated high awareness of eye care options for aging beyond just glasses, only 70% knew that eye exams can uncover medical conditions or understood how common vision correction is after age 40.
- Appearance vs. vision: Globally, 56% of individuals surveyed stated that they prioritize clear vision over physical appearance. However, 55% of global respondents aged 40 to 70 expressed concerns regarding the appearance of wrinkles around the eyes.
Take action: Make eye exams part of your healthy aging routine
Johnson & Johnson encourages individuals over the age of 40 to make vision care a self-care priority.
- Schedule a comprehensive eye exam: Early detection is key to maintaining confidence and independence.
- Explore modern solutions: From multifocal contact lenses for presbyopia to advanced intraocular lenses for cataracts.
- Talk to a doctor: Don't wait for vision problems to impact your quality of life.
To find an eye care professional near you click here.
About Vision at Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has a deep legacy in developing transformational new products that improve the health of patients' eyes. We have a bold ambition: Vision Made Possible – improving sight for more than 40 million people each year. Through cutting-edge innovation, expertise in material and optical science, and advanced technologies, we are revolutionizing the way people see and experience the world. Visit us at clearvisionforyou.com, follow @JNJVision on Twitter, Johnson & Johnson | Vision on LinkedIn, and @JNJVision on Facebook.
About Johnson & Johnson
At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more about our MedTech sector's global scale and deep expertise in cardiovascular, orthopaedics, surgery and vision solutions at https://thenext.jnjmedtech.com. Follow us at @JNJMedTech and on LinkedIn.
About the study
These are the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of Johnson & Johnson. Fieldwork was conducted between August 23 to September 10, 2024. A total of n=9,895 adults (7000 of whom are aged 40-70) in key markets (Brazil, China, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, South Korea, United States) participated in the survey.
Quotas and weighting were used to ensure the sample's composition reflects that of the population according to census parameters.
About Ipsos
Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people.
Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi- specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.
"Game Changers" – our tagline – summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.
Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices, STOXX Europe 600 and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).
*Disclosure: This is a paid endorsement. Naomi Watts was compensated for this quote.
1 How hormones can affect eyes and vision. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2018, November 12). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/how-hormones-can-affect-eyes-vision
2 Anti-Aging Services – Global Strategic Business Report. Research and Markets. (n.d.). https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5301879/anti-aging-services-global-strategic-business?utm_source=GNE&utm_medium=PressRelease&utm_code=vggngd&utm_campaign=2040739+-+Anti-Aging+Services+Industry+Eyes+%2492+Billion+Revenue+Opportunity+by+2030+-+Surge+in+Medical+Tourism+for+Cosmetic+Procedures+Drives+Demand+for+Specialized+Anti-Aging+Clinics&utm_exec=jocamspi
3 What is presbyopia?. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025, October 7). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-presbyopia
4 Munis, P., Kassalow, J., & Lorey, M. (2024). Presbyopia: addressing an urgent global need. Community eye health, 37(122), 10–11.
5 Javitt, J. C., Wang, F., & West, S. K. (1996). Blindness due to cataract: epidemiology and prevention. Annual review of public health, 17, 159–177. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.pu.17.050196.001111
6 What are cataracts?. American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025a, June 27). https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
7 See the full picture of your health with an annual Comprehensive Eye Exam. AOA. (n.d.). https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/full-picture-of-eye-health
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