Photochromic Contact Lenses Demonstrate Superiority in All Light Conditions

Photochromic contact lenses achieved higher patient preference ratings than nonphotochromic contact lenses in both bright light and low light conditions, according to research published in the Journal of Optometry. 

Researchers conducted a study of 237 participants from 2 clinical trials that compared the performance of a photochromic lens with a nonphotochromic lens. Both the Evaluation of Approved and Investigational Contact Lenses (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03228212) and Initial Evaluation of Investigational Lenses Manufactured on a New Production Line (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03679741) trials were multi-visit, multi-site, 2-treatment by 3-period crossover investigations. Participants underwent follow-up after a 2-week wearing period and were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 wearing schedules: test/control/control or control/test/test. Patients subjectively evaluated vision quality, comfort, and clarity at the conclusion of wear using a 5-point Likert scale (1, excellent; 5, poor).

Overall, participants reported better comfort and quality of vision after wearing the photochromic lens in all light conditions. Participants reported that photochromic lenses reduced bright lights during night time driving (Odds Ratio [OR], 3.91; 95% CI, 2.78-5.36), provided them the ability to see more comfortably during digital device use (OR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.64-3.07), and reduced squinting while using digital devices (OR, 3.36; 95% CI, 2.38-4.65).  

“[T]he photochromic test contact lens was compared to a similar non-photochromic lens and showed visual benefits in lighting situations where such results are not obvious, such as: indoors, while using digital devices, and when driving at night,” according to the researchers. “These benefits may provide a useful visual enhancement in varying lighting conditions experienced throughout the day and night.”

Study limitations include the use of a non validated questionnaire and the inability to mask participants to the test lens. 

Disclosure: This research was supported by Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Several study authors declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or clinical research organizations. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors’ disclosures.