The Difference In Visual Performance Between Monovision Fit Contact Lenses And Progressive Add Spectacle Lenses

Background: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently doesn't allow for the use of monovision contact lenses for the correction of presbyopia. This research study intends to quantify the differences in visual performance between monovision fit contact lenses, which are disallowed, and progressive add spectacle lenses, which are allowed. Methods: We fit five presbyopic patients with monovision contact lenses. We also fit the same patients with Varilux Panamic© progressive add spectacle lenses (PAL). Each subject wore one mode of correction at a time. The subjects were then asked to complete four visual tasks using each mode of correction. The four tasks were distance acuities using the ETDRS logarithmic acuity chart, near acuity using the Lighthouse acuity card, Useful Field of View (UFOV) computer test, and the Waynes saccadic fixator.
The two modes of correction were compared using their measured performance
for each test. We then analyzed the data to determine if there was a significant
statistical difference in visual performance between the two modes of correction.
Results: Both distance and near acuities were better with monovision contacts when both eyes were open, however the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between the modes in the performance of the Waynes saccadic fixator or the UFOV. Conclusion: Based on this early pilot study and the literature searches we conducted, there is no scientific data to support the FAA's position to prohibit contact lens wear for
presbyopia.