Comparative visual performance of three presbyopic contact lens corrections

We compared the visual performance of a soft diffractive (DIFF) bifocal contact lens, a near center (CN) concentric bifocal design, and monovision (MV), using a comprehensive vision testing protocol. Fifteen presbyopic subjects who were successfully wearing DIFF bifocal contact lenses participated in the study. Of the three systems tested, MV provided best visual acuity at distance and near; less than one line of acuity was lost relative to best spectacle acuity under all lighting and contrast conditions, and there was less disturbance of a point source of light. Both bifocal corrections gave similar visual acuity performance, with more lines of acuity lost relative to spectacles at near compared to distance. However, the concentric bifocal induced more ghosting at near than the other two systems. Stereopsis was compromised at distance with MV correction, but all systems performed worse than spectacles at near. An understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of presbyopic contact lens options allows the clinician to improve management of the presbyope who wishes to wear contact lenses.