PURPOSE:

Advances in contact lens technologies, including among toric options for astigmatism, can generate interest among both prescription eyeglass and contact lens (CL) wearers. In general, patients look to the eye care practitioners (ECPs) to provide education and recommendations for vision care options that meet their needs. The kalifilcon A daily disposable silicone hydrogel toric CL (INFUSE/ULTRA ONE DAY for Astigmatism [IfA]) is uniquely designed to help maintain ocular surface homeostasis and also incorporates OpticAlign Design and high-definition optics for clear, stable vision. The present work assessed early patient experience from the first 100 patients to complete a real-world evaluation study of the IfA lens.

METHODS:

ECPs invited eligible astigmatic patients to trial IfA lenses for a period of 5 days. Participants were fitted for the IfA lens, completed the 5-day trial period, and completed an online survey to assess satisfaction, with at least 60% of participant responses subsequently validated by telephone contact. A two-sided exact binomial test assessed whether a favorable response was indicated in >50% of responses for key Likert scale attributes.

RESULTS:

Of the first 100 participants to complete the study, the majority were female (73.0%) and mean (SD) age of the population was 37.9 (12.9) years. Prior to the trial, 58.0% were existing contact lens wearers, and the remainder were eyeglass wearers. 94.0% of participants expressed agreement (agreed/strongly agreed) that it is important for ECPs to educate them on innovative technologies in eye health (p< 0.001). At the end of the trial period, 93.0% agreed/strongly agreed that the IfA lens is easy to handle (p<0.001). in addition 92.0 reported an overall opinion of the lens as good very good or excellent 89.0 were likely to continue with ifa after the trial period and 96.0 also expressed favorable likelihood of recommending the lens to a friend or family member who wears cls all p><0.001).>

CONCLUSION:

This early evaluation offers insights into patient interest in ECP education regarding innovative technologies as well as overall experience with the IfA lens, including ease of handling, overall opinion, willingness to continue wearing, and willingness to recommend the lens to others.