Disability glare in soft multifocal contact lenses

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Multifocal contact lenses (MCLs) are widely used to correct presbyopia.
• The optical design of MCLs can influence visual performance, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
• Understanding the impact of different MCL designs on visual function is essential for patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how the design of multifocal contact lenses affects contrast sensitivity and disability glare.
• To compare the visual performance of two MCL designs (Center Near and Center Distance) against single vision corrections.

Main Methods:

• Contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured in 16 young adults under no-glare and glare conditions.
• Two MCL designs (Biofinity Center Near and Center Distance) were tested, along with single vision spectacle and contact lens controls.
• Measurements included the area under the contrast sensitivity function (AUC-CSF) and disability glare (DG).

Main Results:

• Both MCL designs significantly influenced AUC-CSF compared to spectacle correction.
• The Center Near design reduced AUC-CSF under both no-glare and glare conditions (p<0.001).
• The Center Distance design reduced AUC-CSF under glare (p=0.001) and produced significantly more disability glare (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

• The optical design of MCLs significantly impacts contrast sensitivity and disability glare.
• Testing contrast sensitivity under both no-glare and glare conditions at medium spatial frequencies is recommended for optimal MCL dispensing.
• Clinicians should consider the specific design of MCLs when evaluating visual performance, especially concerning glare and contrast perception.