The surge in eye surgery-related Google searches started to level out in the past week. Eye surgery related search volumes (LASIK, cataract, and glaucoma) increased last week between 5% to 23% on a month-over-month basis compared to a range of 35% to 71% last week. This brought June search volumes for LASIK, cataract, and glaucoma back to levels near the Pre-COVID averages (Chart 1).

LASIK-related ‘buying intent’ searches continued to be strong with consumer questions about “PRK v. LASIK” and “How long does LASIK take” showing continued strength and month-over-month growth (Chart 2).

Cataract buying intent questions related to cost and overall glaucoma searches declined last week bringing June month-over-month increases down to modest levels (Charts 1 and 2). It is reasonable to assume that increases in COVID-19 reported cases would have a bigger impact on older patients than younger ones.

State-by-state comparisons of LASIK, cataract, and glaucoma search volume demonstrate that the consumer is not always moving with increases or decreases in reported COVID cases. Chart 3 shows a comparison of three early-opening states – Texas, Florida, and Arizona. Glaucoma search volume is down in Texas and Arizona while it is up 22% in Florida. We will simply call that interesting until next week.

To see more and learn about ophthalmology trends, attend our Ophthalmology Technology Summit and learn more here.

Chart 1:   Eye Surgery Related Google Search Volumes

  Month-Over-Month (March 2019 to June 2020) 

Chart 2:   Eye Surgery Related Google Search Volumes

Month-Over-Month Change (Week Ending 6.20.20)

Chart 3:   State-By-State Google Eye Surgery Query Trends

Texas, Florida, Arizona (Week Ending 6.20.20)

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