Assessment of the Relationship of Soft Contact Lens Fit and Power (Fit & Lens pOwer Soft lenSes)

Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether altering the optical power (in dioptres) of a contact lens affects both vision and lens fit. As the majority of modern contact lens wearers prefer daily disposable soft lenses, the trial lenses used in this study-provided by CooperVision-reflect this trend, representing nearly 80% of the current UK market. This study aims to generate data supporting the use of contact lenses with powers that do not precisely match a participant's visual prescription (within ±2.00 dioptres) as a viable temporary alternative when the exact required power is unavailable. At present, there is no published literature in the context of modern contact lens design that compares the fitting characteristics of 'fit-for-purpose' lenses with those of lenses from the same design family that would not typically be selected due to power mismatch.

This study aims to evaluate the vision and fit of commercially available prescription contact lenses of different strengths to determine whether this affects the final lens selection and, if so, how. In addition, the study will compare subjective comfort and key fitting criteria such as centration, movement, tightness, coverage, and overall impression. These data could help eye care practitioners use lenses they already have in stock instead of ordering new ones and requiring patients to return. Understanding whether these lenses fit similarly could make the process more convenient for both patients and practitioners. Patients would receive their lenses more quickly, and eye care providers could manage their existing stock more effectively. The two visits will take place at the Aston University Eye Clinic. Data collection and assessments will include: Participant's age, ethnicity, sex, and ocular history to determine eligibility \[recorded electronically on a secure computer\]. A standardised OSDI questionnaire (paper copy only), which quantifies dry eye symptoms, severity, and frequency (e.g. in the past week, how often participants' eyes felt gritty, watery, itchy, or burning, and how many times they experienced these symptoms), will be administered at the first visit after written consent. The completed questionnaire will be scanned and uploaded to BOX. Both Visit One and Visit Two will include: Application of contact lenses to the participant's eyes. Lens powers will be randomised between visits for each participant. Comfort assessment using: A visual analogue scale (paper-based) from "most comfortable" to "least comfortable," where participants mark their comfort level. A numerical rating (1-10) of comfort, recorded electronically. Vision assessment after lens application, both objectively (autorefractor) and subjectively, as in routine clinical practice. A video-recorded ocular assessment of the contact lens fit, including horizontal lens movement, blink-induced movement, and lens centration. After data collection is complete and the lenses are removed at Visit Two, participants will be asked which lenses they preferred \[recorded electronically\]. The data collection follows standardised contact lens assessment protocols used in both primary and secondary care optometry. A participant's current eye care practitioner will not be informed of their participation or the corresponding assessments/data unless clinically significant findings are discovered and the participant consents to sharing this information. Participants will be informed of the lens brand and manufacturer used in the study so that, if they find the lenses more comfortable than their current ones (if applicable) or are considering contact lenses, they may discuss this with their eye care practitioner.