Toric multifocal contact lenses dispensing pivotal study
As we get older, our eyes naturally find it harder to focus on close objects, such as books or mobile phones. This common change is called presbyopia. At the same time, many people have astigmatism, where the eye is shaped slightly like a rugby ball, causing blurred vision at all distances. While contact lenses exist for each condition separately, finding a single daily lens that treats both can be difficult. This clinical study, run by Ocular Technology Group in the UK and funded by CooperVision, is testing a new daily disposable lens called the ERIS toric multifocal contact lens. The trial is open to adults aged 40 and older who already wear soft contact lenses. Participants will try either the new lenses or standard multifocal lenses for about 30 to 35 days. Eye specialists will check vision sharpness, comfort, and overall eye health.
At a glance
What is this study about?
From around the age of 40, most people notice that reading small print or looking at a phone screen becomes harder. This natural ageing of the eye's lens is called presbyopia. In addition, around four in ten people also have astigmatism, meaning the clear front of the eye (the cornea) is curved unevenly. When you have both conditions, you usually need glasses with different viewing zones, such as varifocals, to see clearly at near, middle, and far distances.
Contact lenses have come a long way, but designing a daily disposable soft lens that corrects both presbyopia and astigmatism together is technically challenging. This study is testing an experimental daily lens named the ERIS toric multifocal contact lens. It is designed to correct astigmatism while simultaneously providing clear vision for reading and distance, all in a breathable silicone hydrogel material.
Researchers want to find out how well these new lenses perform in everyday life compared to an established lens (MyDay® Multifocal). By checking how easy they are to fit, how comfortable they feel to wear, and how well people can see, this study hopes to give people who need complex vision correction a practical, glasses-free option for daily life.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new daily disposable soft contact lens designed to correct both astigmatism and reading vision.
- Aimed at current soft contact lens wearers aged 40 and older.
- Involves two clinic visits and wearing study lenses for around 30 to 35 days.
- Compares the new ERIS lens against an existing approved multifocal lens.
- Conducted in the UK by Ocular Technology Group and sponsored by CooperVision.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 40 and older who already wear soft contact lenses. To take part, you must have eyes that require vision correction for both distance and reading (presbyopia), with or without astigmatism within specific ranges. Your eyes must otherwise be healthy, with good vision when wearing your usual corrective glasses or lenses.
You will not be able to join the study if you have an active eye infection, inflammation, or any eye disease that makes wearing contact lenses unsafe. People who have had corneal eye surgery, severe eye conditions, or who only have sight in one eye cannot take part.
You also cannot participate if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have taken part in another clinical research study within the last 30 days.
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.
- Are you aged 40 or older?
- Do you already wear soft contact lenses regularly?
- Do you struggle with near vision (reading) as well as distance vision?
- Are your eyes generally healthy, with no active infections or history of eye surgery?
- Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
Taking part involves two main clinic visits over roughly one month. At your first visit, an eye care professional will examine your eyes and fit you with either the new ERIS trial lenses or standard MyDay multifocal lenses. The specialist can try up to three different lens fittings to find the best match for your eyes. You will then wear these daily disposable lenses at home for 30 to 35 days, putting in a fresh pair each morning. At your second visit, about a month later, the team will check your eye health, test your vision, and ask you about how comfortable the lenses felt. If you ever feel uncomfortable or wish to stop, you are free to do so at any point.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Ocular Technology Group InternationalCity onlyLondon, England
Common questions
What is a toric multifocal contact lens?
It is a specialised contact lens designed to correct two things at once: astigmatism (an uneven eye shape) and presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close-up text).
Do I have to clean the lenses every night?
No. These are daily disposable lenses, meaning you put a fresh, sterile pair in each morning and throw them away before you go to sleep.
How long will I be wearing the study lenses?
You will wear the lenses during the day for around 30 to 35 days between your first and second clinic visits.
What happens if the lenses do not feel comfortable?
Your eye health comes first. You can remove the lenses at any time and contact the study team for advice or an earlier check-up.
Will taking part cost me anything?
The study lenses and all clinical tests related to the trial are provided free of charge by the study sponsor.
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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