Visual performance of single vision and multifocal contact lenses in non-presbyopic myopic eyes

• Single vision lens design differences had no impact on subjective vision.
• Visual acuity was better with lenses having increased negative spherical aberration.
• Most lenses featuring multifocality decreased visual performance.
• De-centered lenses reduced vision ratings scores.
• Subjective measures more sensitive indicators of quality of vision.

PurposeTo assess visual performance of single vision and multifocal soft contact lenses.MethodsAt baseline, forty-four myopic participants (aged 18–35 years) were fitted bilaterally with a control lens (AirOptix Aqua). At the four follow-up visits, a total of 16 study lenses (5 single vision, 11 multifocal lenses) were fitted contralaterally. After 1 h of lens wear, participants rated (scale 1–10) vision clarity (distance, intermediate and near), magnitude of ghosting at distance, comfort during head movement, and overall comfort. Distance high contrast visual acuity (HCVA), central refraction and higher order aberrations, and contact lens centration were measured.ResultsFor single vision lenses, vision ratings were not significantly different to the control (p > 0.005). The control outperformed Acuvue Oasys, Clariti Monthly and Night and Day in HCVA (mean VA: −0.10 ± 0.07 logMAR, p < 0.005). Most refraction and higher order aberration measures were not different between lenses. The Night and Day lens showed greatest differences compared to the control, i.e., C[4, 0] was more positive (p < 0.005) at distance (Δ = 0.019 μm) and near (Δ = 0.028 μm). For multifocal lenses, the majority of vision ratings (84%) were better with the control (p < 0.005). HCVA was better with the control (p < 0.005). Proclear Multifocal lenses showed greatest differences for M, C[3, −1] and C[4, 0] at distance and near, and were inferiorly de-centered (p < 0.005).ConclusionDesign differences between single vision lenses had a small impact on visual performance. Lenses featuring multifocality decreased visual performance, in particular when power variations across the optic zone were large and/or the lens was significantly de-centered.