Visual Function and Patient Experience with a Custom-Made Soft Contact Lens for Myopia Control

The aim was to evaluate the impact of a custom-made soft contact lens (CL) for myopia control on visual function and wearer experience.

In this masked, randomized study, 23 myopic adults (aged 18-35) were fitted with ESENCIA CLs made of either Acofilcon B (hydrogel) or UNISIL (silicone hydrogel). Visual and accommodative function, tear stability, and wearer experience were assessed.

Visual acuity remained stable with both CLs. No significant differences were found between the two CLs in any test. However, both CLs increased monocular and binocular accommodative facility (MAF and BAF) compared to baseline (Acofilcon B: p < 0.001 for MAF, p = 0.008 for BAF; Unisil: p < 0.001 for MAF, p = 0.011 for BAF). Increased exophoria was noted at distance and near with both lenses (Acofilcon B: p = 0.004, p = 0.002; Unisil: p = 0.006, p = 0.001), and a reduction in negative fusional reserves at distance was observed (Acofilcon B: p = 0.008; Unisil: p = 0.01). Other tests showed results similar to baseline. Subjective scores indicated a trend toward better comfort and satisfaction with Unisil (7.29 ± 2.03) compared to Acofilcon B (6.48 ± 2.00).

Our results highlight the importance of evaluating the potential side effects on visual quality and binocular and accommodative functions when selecting CLs for myopia control. Additionally, considering the user's subjective experience is crucial, as CLs must be worn for a minimum number of hours each day.