Efficacy Of Presbyopia-Correcting Contact Lenses: A Systematic Review

To analyse critically the clinical trials on presbyopia correction with contact lenses (CLs) in order to investigate the quality of the research done.

Not applicable.

A search was performed in Pubmed database on clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of the presbyopia correction with different CLs, including multifocal or simultaneous vision contact lenses (MCLs). After a comprehensive analysis of the relevant publications found, quality assessment of such publications was performed by means of CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) checklist tool according to five type of evaluations: MCL vs. spectacles, MCL vs. pinhole CLs, MCL vs. monovision, comparison between MCL designs, and MCL vs. extended depth of focus (EDOF) CLs. 

A total of 16 clinical trials were selected for evaluation. All evaluated studies addressed a clearly focused research question and were randomized, with a crossover design in most of cases. Blinding was not possible in all cases due to the physical appearance of some of the CLs evaluated (pinhole or hybrid designs). Most of studies analysed reported outcomes with complete data, providing the statistical tests used and the p-values, but some of the authors did not provide the statistical power associated to the sample size evaluated. The small sample size in some trials as well as the scarce information about the effect of addition on visual performance were the main limitations found in the peer-reviewed literature revised.

There is a high-quality scientific evidence supporting the use of presbyopia-correcting CLs, with several randomized controlled clinical trials conducted to this date.