Kathryn Richdale

Purpose To compare objective and subjective digital near visual performance and comfort in low to moderate astigmatic participants fitted with toric versus spherical equivalent silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses. Methods This was a double‐masked, randomised, crossover study. Participants aged 18 to 39 years with astigmatism of −0.75 to −1.50 D were recruited and fitted with toric and spherical contact lenses, in random order. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after 1 week of wear with each contact lens type after the follow‐up visits. High‐ and low‐contrast near logMAR visual acuity, automated visual acuity, zoom (%), contrast (%), reading distance (cm), critical print size (logMAR) and reading speed were assessed. Participants also completed the validated Near Activity Visual Questionnaire (NAVQ) and Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire 8 (CLDEQ‐8) for each correction type. Results Twenty‐three participants completed the study (74% female, average age 24.4 ± 4.2 years). When participants wore toric contact lenses, near high‐ and low‐contrast visual acuity and automated visual acuity improved by 3–4 letters (all p < 0.03) and participants were able to read faster on an iPad ( p = 0.02). Participants were also able to read with 8% less contrast on the iPad with toric lenses ( p = 0.01). Participants reported better subjective vision on the overall NAVQ ( p = 0.001) and better comfort on the CLDEQ‐8 ( p = 0.02) with toric lenses. Fewer participants reported difficulty with maintaining focus at near, reading small print, reading labels/instructions, reading the computer display/keyboard and reading post/mail with toric correction. Conclusions Toric contact lenses improve comfort, subjective and objective visual performance with digital devices and other near tasks compared with the spherical equivalent correction in participants with low to moderate astigmatism.