Clinical evaluation of three bifocal contact lenses.

The ACC, Alges, and Tangent Streak bifocal contact lenses were fit in separate populations of presbyopic patients, some of whom had not previously worn contact lenses. Complete eye examinations were performed on fitting and at 6 and 12 months after fitting to determine how effectively the lenses corrected presbyopic symptoms. Patients were examined for subjective comfort, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and by slit lamp. Sixteen of the 24 ACC lens wearers (67%), 23 of 31 Alges lens wearers (74%), and 25 of 27 Tangent Streak lens wearers (93%) wore their lenses comfortably after 12 months. Nine of 18 failures (50%) were successfully refit in one of the other bifocal lenses. Most patients read 20/25 and J1 with contrast sensitivity in the normal range at distance and near. Twelve of 16 patients (75%) with no prior contact lens experience continued to wear the lenses at 12 months. We believe that bifocal contact lenses provide an acceptable alternative for the correction of presbyopia. Lens fitting requirements and patient selection are discussed.