Interest of presbyopes in contact lens correction and their success with monovision

The presbyopic population is seen as a large potential source of contact lens wearers. The aims of this study were: (1) to estimate the percentage of presbyopes interested in contact lenses, (2) to ascertain the success of interested presbyopes with monovision correction, and (3) to determine the percentage willing to continue wearing monovision lenses after 1 month's trial. Seven practitioners in Sydney surveyed consecutive presbyopes attending their practices about their interest in contact lenses. Of the 1133 presbyopes surveyed, 314 (28%) were interested in trying monovision lenses. A total of 72 patients were subsequently fitted with monovision in high water content hydrogel form. After 1 month, 46 of these patients (64%) were still wearing the lenses, and 39 (54%) expressed willingness to continue with monovision correction. The major reasons for discontinuation from lens wear during the 1-month trial were inadequate vision and difficulty in lens handling.