Toric multifocal contact lens development
As people reach their 40s, many develop presbyopia, which makes it harder to focus on close objects like books or phones. At the same time, many adults have astigmatism, an uneven eye curve that causes blurred vision. Finding contact lenses that comfortably solve both issues together can be difficult. This study tests a new daily disposable soft contact lens called the ERIS toric multifocal. It is designed to give clear vision at all distances while also correcting astigmatism. The aim is to check that an eye care professional can fit these new lenses quickly and accurately using standard guidelines, and to measure how clear and comfortable vision is. Taking part involves a single visit to an eye clinic in the UK. Because this is a test of the fitting process, volunteers will try the lenses in the clinic but will not take them home.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many adults notice that reading menus or text messages becomes harder from around age 40 onwards. This normal change is called presbyopia, and it happens as the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible. At the same time, around four in ten people also have astigmatism, where the eye is shaped slightly like a rugby ball rather than a football, causing blurring. While separate contact lenses exist for both conditions, having both can make finding the right lens a challenge.
CooperVision is developing a new daily disposable soft contact lens, called the ERIS toric multifocal. The goal is to provide people with clear vision up close, far away, and everywhere in between, while correcting astigmatism at the same time. This could mean fewer people needing reading glasses over their contact lenses.
This research study is focused on the fitting process. Before lenses can be made widely available, researchers must confirm that opticians can reliably choose the correct lens power using a clear step-by-step guide. The study will test whether this guide works smoothly and whether patients are satisfied with how well they can see during their appointment.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new daily soft contact lens that treats both astigmatism and reading vision loss.
- Requires only one clinic visit with no lenses taken home.
- Open to current soft contact lens wearers aged 40 and over.
- Focuses on testing how easily opticians can fit the lenses correctly.
- Conducted at a specialist eye clinic in the UK.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 40 and older who already wear soft contact lenses and need vision correction for both reading and astigmatism. Volunteers need to have generally healthy eyes apart from their normal need for glasses or contact lenses, and must have good eyesight when wearing their usual corrective lenses.
You cannot take part if you have active eye infections, inflammation, or a history of eye surgery. People with certain cornea problems, those who only have vision in one eye, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding are also not able to join. Your optical prescription will be checked to make sure it matches the exact power range of the study lenses.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 40 or older.
- I already wear soft contact lenses.
- I need help with both reading vision (presbyopia) and astigmatism.
- My eyes are generally healthy with no active infections or recent eye surgery.
- I am not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study involves a single visit to an eye research clinic run by Ocular Technology Group in the UK. During your visit, an eye specialist will examine your eyes and place the study lenses on them. Up to three pairs may be tried to find the best fit. The specialist will then test your vision and ask you how clear and comfortable your eyes feel. This is a clinic-only study, meaning you will wear the lenses only during the appointment and will not take them home. Your involvement is finished once this single appointment is complete.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ocular Technology Group InternationalUnverifiedLondon, England
Common questions
Will I be able to take the contact lenses home?
No. This study only evaluates how the lenses are fitted in the clinic. You will try them during your appointment and take them off before you leave.
How many appointments do I need to attend?
Taking part requires only one clinic appointment.
Does the fitting process hurt?
No. The lenses are soft daily disposables and should feel similar to wearing standard soft contact lenses. If you feel any discomfort, the specialist can remove them straight away.
What is the difference between astigmatism and presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the normal age-related loss of close focusing power, making reading difficult. Astigmatism is an uneven curve in the eye that causes blurred vision at all distances.
Who is paying for this research?
The study is funded by CooperVision International Limited, the company that designs and manufactures the contact lenses.
How to find out more
Deborah Moore
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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