Presbyopic and non-presbyopic contact lens opinions and vision correction preferences

To compare vision correction preferences, refractive error, and gender of non-presbyopes and presbyopes.

Adults who wear spectacles or contact lenses completed a survey about refractive correction opinions and refractive error was measured.

Of the 304 subjects, 38.2% were presbyopic (≥40 years) and 59.2% were female. Spectacles were the primary vision correction for 78.0% of subjects. Compared to contact lens wearers, the proportion of presbyopes was higher (p=0.006) in spectacle wearers. There was no difference in the proportion of presbyopes and non-presbyopes who have tried contact lenses (p=0.2) or who would prefer to wear contact lenses (p=0.2). In contact lens wearers, there was no difference in the proportion of presbyopes and non-presbyopes with a history of temporary discontinuation (p=0.9). Within the contact lens wearing group, there was no refractive error difference between presbyopes and non-presbyopes (spherical equivalent p=0.6; power vector J0 p=0.5; power vector J45 p=0.4; anisometropia p=0.2). Overall, contact lens wearers were more likely to be female (p=0.004). There was no difference in gender in presbyopic and non-presbyopic contact lens wearers (p=0.5).

Presbyopes and non-presbyopes have similar opinions about spectacles and contact lenses. Presbyopes of all refractive errors prefer contact lens correction when good vision and comfort can be achieved. Eye care providers should not assume that presbyopia, refractive error, or gender are factors that preclude a patient from being interested in contact lens wear.