The COVID pandemic has led to a growing number of eye issues over the last two years which have been identified in a newly released consumer survey conducted by MyVision.org, a group of expert ophthalmologists and optometrists whose purpose is to provide trusted information on eye health and vision. Yesterday’s Data Feed featured some key findings from MyVision’s survey. Here are some additional highlights.

Driving, in general, is already dangerous, but what MyVision found about drivers with poor eyesight is especially concerning. One out of three drivers say they’ve driven with an outdated eyesight prescription.

Even more surprising, MyVision found that three out of 10 admit to driving without their prescription glasses or contacts altogether. Why would someone take that risk? The majority (60 percent) report just forgetting their contacts or glasses. However, two out of five either felt like they could drive fine without that vision help, or they just did not want to wear them.

A lot of people wear old glasses or contacts every day. 43 percent say they are not wearing up-to-date prescriptions, according to MyVision. More than eight out of 10 people are wearing prescriptions that are two years or older. Of those, 17 percent told us their glasses or contact prescriptions are more than five years old.

Glasses and contacts are expensive, and when something breaks, many aren’t willing to pay to have it fixed. Nearly one-third of people say they’ve worn cracked or broken glasses.

Contact wearers also admit to not replacing their contacts, or even taking them out at the end of the day. 24 percent admitted to wearing two-week contact lenses for longer than two weeks, and one in 4 have slept with their contacts in.

Since the pandemic began, 13 percent of people say they’ve spent more than $500 on their eye health. Two-thirds of people have spent about $500 or less. Main purchases include prescription glasses, contact lenses, and blue light glasses. With summer approaching, 24 percent are planning on buying prescription sunglasses.

Others are considering a more permanent solution. Nearly one-third (32 percent) of people have gotten LASIK surgery, or are planning to get it. The main reason is to fix their eye problems altogether and its convenience. Nearly half (44 percent) say they consider LASIK an investment, so they no longer have to keep paying for glasses or contacts. But 36 percent admit to just getting tired of waiting up blind every morning.