Compared With Etafilcon A Lenses, User Ratings Higher for Verofilcon A

Ratings for subjective endpoints such as overall lens preference, end-of-day (EOD) vision, and overall comfort were significantly higher for verofilcon A silicone hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) than for etafilcon A CLs, according to findings published in Clinical Ophthalmology.

Researchers conducted a prospective, randomized trial comparing the subjective performances of the daily disposable silicone hydrogel CLs, veroficon A, and etafilcon A hydrogel CLs. The study involved 184 eyes of 92 participants who were split into 2 groups, assigned to wear 1 type of CL for 1 week, and then crossed over to the alternative CL. All participants were self-described as successful wearers of spherical CLs for distance correction.

A comparison of distance visual acuity (VA) was the primary objective. Exploratory, subjective endpoints included a 5-point scale of overall lens performance, as well as 10-point scales of EOD vision, overall handling, insertion comfort, EOD comfort, overall quality of vision, overall comfort, vision throughout the day, lends handling at insertion, and lens handling at removal.

The study’s evaluation of distance revealed that verofilcon lenses were noninferior to etafilcon A lenses. A majority of participants (n=68; 73.9%) somewhat or strongly preferred verofilcon A lenses, while 22.9% (n=21) somewhat or strongly preferred etafilcon A lenses upon comparison of lens preference (P <.0001). 

Verofilcon A lenses were rated higher for mean + SD parameters of EOD vision, overall handling, insertion comfort, and EOD comfort (P <.0001 each), as well as for overall quality of vision, overall comfort, vision throughout the day, lens handling at insertion, and lens handling at removal. No participants experienced an ocular adverse event.

The researchers note that the study also surveyed 31 eye care professionals who fitted up to 10 current and 10 new wearers with verofilcon A lenses before and after the study.

“Of these professionals, 17 (54%) switched from their most preferred brand of contact lenses to verofilcon A lenses, with most stating that switching made them feel confident that they recommended the best brand of contact lenses to their patients,” according to the study.

Study limitations include its short-term nature and the inability to completely mask staff to lens assignment. 

Reference

Miller J, Giedd B, Subbaraman L. Clinical comparison of a silicone hydrogel and a conventional hydrogel daily disposable contact lens. Clin Ophthalmol. 2021;15(10):4339-4345. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S332651